WILBRAHAM – It is with deep sorrow and profound respect that we announce the passing of Mary Phillips, a cherished great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, and pillar of her community, on December 7th. Born outside of Kyiv, Ukraine in 1927, Mary lived a life marked by extraordinary resilience, unwavering kindness, and a dedication to serving others.
Orphaned during World War II, Mary faced immense trials, surviving the Holodomor and enduring forced labor in Austria. These early experiences shaped her into a woman of remarkable strength and compassion. After the war, she fled her homeland and eventually found refuge in Canada before settling in the United States, where she built a new life centered on family, faith, and community.
A resident of Westfield, Massachusetts, for over 50 years, Mary was well-known and deeply admired in the area. She worked as a caterer, sharing her culinary talents with countless families and businesses. Her meals brought comfort, joy, and a sense of togetherness to her community. Beyond her career, she served as an interpreter for the Westfield Police Department and Westfield Courthouse, using her linguistic skills to assist those in need and foster understanding across cultures. Mary never forgot her roots or those she left behind in Ukraine. Her heart remained with her homeland, and she regularly sent food staples, clothing, and supplies to relatives, friends, and orphanages in the village of Cherevky. Her selfless actions were a testament to her enduring love for her people and her unwavering commitment to easing the burdens of others.
Mary was the mother of Lana Gour (Filip), husband Thomas of Wilbraham, Anna J. Filip of Wilbraham and predeceased by Mickey J. Filip. She was “Baba” to three grandchildren, Matthew and Annette Gour of East Longmeadow, Thomas Gour of New London, CT and Laura Gour and her partner Michael Mitchell of Springfield. Great-grandmother to Evangelia and Tyler Gour, all of whom will forever cherish her memory. She was a nurturer, and a source of unending encouragement. Her life lessons, rooted in perseverance and kindness, will continue to guide her family for generations to come.
She was preceded in death by her parents Alexander and Herpina Wasko, her sisters Lana Wasko and Vera Ruban, whom she longed to reunite with in spirit.
A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held on Thursday, December 12th at Firtion Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street in Westfield, where friends and family will gather to honor her remarkable journey and enduring impact. Visiting hours will be from 12- 1 p.m. with services immediately following visitation. The burial will be at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Springfield, MA in her memory.
Mary, your love, generosity, and courage will live on in all whose lives you touched. Rest in eternal peace. Firtionadams.com
