Obituary of Norma M. Phillips

Mrs. Norma M. Phillips, 93, of Smith Street, Canajoharie, New York died Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Elm Manor Nursing Home in Canandaigua, New York. Born on June 23, 1919 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Jay Mincher and Ida Bixen Mincher. She was a graduate of Keuka College, class of 1940 with a BA in English. She then received her Master's Degree from SUNY Albany in Library Science. Mrs. Phillips spent much of her life on Smith Street in Canajoharie, residing the past 4 months at Elm Manor. Mrs. Phillips started her career as an English teacher for Knox Junior High School in Johnstown. She retired in the early 1980s from Johnstown High School, where she worked for many years as the School's Librarian. Following her retirement, she enjoyed traveling throughout Upstate New York and New England attending craft fairs to purchase small gifts for the many young members of her extended family. She was a member of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Canajoharie. In 1953 Norma was married to Charles D. Phillips. He preceded her in death on August 14, 1965. Mrs. Phillips is survived by her son, Brian and Mary Phillips of Canandaigua, NY; brother, James B. Mincher of Halfmoon, NY; grandchildren, Jenna and Paul Johnson, Samuel Phillips, William Phillips; nieces and nephews, Gary and Amy Mincher, Greg and Sandy Mincher, Dianne Mincher, David and Lenore Mincher; as well as several cousins. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 10:00am at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Zachary Labagh officiating. Burial will take place at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Norma M. Phillips may be made to Keuka College, Development Office, PO Box 98, Keuka Park, NY 14478.