Darlene (Rose) Phillip

On Sunday, September 18, 2022, Darlene (Rose) Phillip, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 75. Darlene was born on October 9, 1946, in Rockford, IL to Ralph and Maxine (Dooley) Rose. She attended Rockford East High School. On April 27, 1974, she married William Phillip. They raised a daughter, Jessica. Darlene retired from her job as a medical claims processor at United Healthcare in early 2018.

Dar had a passion for reading. She also loved animals, especially Golden Retrievers. She always had time to talk to friends and family about whatever new thriller or suspense novel she was reading and what her companion animals were up to. She also loved spending time with her family, dogs, and friends at Weeona Lake. She shared a love of music with Bill and Jes and was quick to let people know that John was her favorite Beatle. She was known for her intelligence, her dry wit, and her truly kind and empathetic spirit.

Darlene was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ralph and Maxine, her father-in-law and mother in-law, Bob and Betty (Crowley) Phillip, and her brother-in-law, Bob Burger. She is survived by her husband Bill, her daughter, Jessica, her sister, Jackie (Rose) Burger, her niece and nephew, Kristin and Eric Burger, her sister-in-law, Barb Phillip, her non-biological “extra kid”, Andrew Taylor, and her forever furry babies, Lilith and Rosie, not to mention countless friends and extended family.

A private viewing was held for family and close friends on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Mulford Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in Darlene’s name may be sent to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital . Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.