Arline Marie (Pires) Phillips, 61, of Winthrop, Maine, passed away on July 11, 2015 following a heroic three year battle against pancreatic cancer. Her positive attitude and desire to aggressively treat this condition were an inspiration to all at Maine General’s Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care and resulted in the doctors modifying treatment regimens for those experiencing pancreatic cancer. She truly made a difference.
She was born to the late Arthur and Arline Pires of Swansea, MA, and after graduating from Durfee High School in 1971, she entered the payroll accounting field and earned her certification as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP).
Arline married Duane Phillips of Glenview, Illinois, upon his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1975. The Navy career path required numerous moves across the country which provided constant “adventures” and allowed her to continue in the payroll field. She was a mentor to dozens of Navy wives as they experienced numerous extended deployments and a host of other challenges.
One of her main joys was quilting in which she produced many works of art through the years and taught a host of friends. She was also a member of numerous craft groups where she learned and taught needlepoint, embroidery, cross stitch and others.
Arline and Duane celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June 2015. She is survived by her husband, Duane; Daniel (son) and Alysia Phillips of Gray, Maine; Matthew (son) and Ashley Phillips of Winthrop, Maine. She has two grandsons: Riley and Colin Phillips of Gray, Maine. Also brothers Arthur Pires, wife Janis of Fall River, MA; and Michael Pires, partner Michael Rothell of Eustis, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Pancreatic Action Network. Their website is: www.pcan.org. Phone: 1-877-272-6226.
Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St. Fall River, MA on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph’s Church, N. Main St. Fall River at 10:30 A.M. Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Calling hours on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 6-8 P.M.
www.rogersfuneral.com.