Desiree Phillips' Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Desiree Theresa Phillips who left this world on August 11, 2021 at Hale Makua under Hospice Maui care. She was 51 years old.
Desiree had an unconditional love for children and believed all children were special and unique. As a child’s advocate, she emphasized that some children just needed more patience, guidance, understanding, encouragement, and a never-ending supply of unwavering belief in their worth and abilities as a human being. She believed that it takes a community to raise and educate a successful child.
Desiree served as a direct support worker for Easter Seals Maui assisting clients with special needs and previously was an educational assistant with the Department of Education at various upcountry public schools. She was also a special education summer and preschool instructor and a disability specialist for MEO.
Desiree encountered major challenges in the last several years of her life following a massive stroke leaving her paralyzed on the right side of her body. Through it all, she always had a contagious smile and inner strength that came from her faith and devotional prayer.
She was born October 29, 1969 at Maui Memorial Hospital. She graduated from Maui High School and subsequently attended Steubenville University in Ohio with an education major and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities/Women and Children’s Advocacy from University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Desiree lived in New York for several years after graduating and worked as an Assistant Teacher. She especially loved Rockefeller Center during the Christmas season.
Desiree had a love of music and enjoyed singing, playing piano and the flute. She had a love of animals including her most recent Malti-poo, Fluffy. She also collected Angels and loved butterflies.
She is survived by her parents, Deacon Albert and Kathleen Phillips, sister Rene’ (Clint) Dela Cruz, nephew ‘Alohi Dela Cruz. She is predeceased by her grandparents Harold A. and Eleanor Cravalho Alves Vares and Albert F. and Minnie-Moniz Phillips as well as Agnes Olivera Phillips.
Services will be held at a later date due to Covid 19.
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