Natalie “Skip” Chalfin Phillips passed away on December 4, 2017 at Hathaway Manor, after a period of declining health, surrounded by her loving family. The only child of Samuel F. Chalfin and Nathalie Smith Chalfin, she was born and raised in New York City. Her happiest childhood summers were spent in New Bedford at the home of her grandparents Nathaniel “Nat” Cannon Smith and Alice Adams Smith. Her grandfather was a well-known architect in the city who designed many of its houses and public buildings during the first half of the 20th century.
A graduate of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, MA and Middlebury College, she married Charles Phillips in 1959. A resident of Marblehead, MA for over 40 years, Natalie raised her children, worked in commercial banking and was an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church where she served as clerk, vestry member, and as a delegate to the diocesan convention. In 2005 she moved to New Bedford where she joined Grace Episcopal Church, was a faithful volunteer at the New Bedford Free Public Library, and supported many non-profit and charitable organizations. She had a passion for handwork including sewing, knitting, and embroidery.
She is survived by her two children, her daughter Nancy Phillips Marshall of San Diego, CA, her son Richard Phillips, an artist, of New York and her lifelong friend and stepsister Nancy Crosby of New Bedford.
A service at the Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, will be held at a later date.
Contributions in her memory may be sent to Grace Episcopal Church, 133 School Street, New Bedford, MA 02740