In Memory of

Donna

Marie

Phillips

(Phillips)

Obituary for Donna Marie Phillips (Phillips)

Donna M.Donna Marie Phillips Smetana was born on November 5, 1936 in Mission Creek, MN. She was raised on a farm with her five siblings and parents. The work ethic that she learned here and love for her family would stay with her forever! As a young adult she moved to St. Paul and ended up meeting and marrying the love of her life, Paul Phillips! They had two daughters, Linda and Lisa. She was a fabulous wife and mother and kept her home, both inside and out, immaculate! You could definitely eat off her floors and her grass was like a golf course!!! Wintertime didn’t hold her back, you would find her out shoveling as soon as the snow fell! The love of farming never left her because one of her hobbies was gardening! She and Paul always had a large fruit, vegetable and flower garden that they maintained perfectly together! In 1973 they moved to So. St. Paul, MN. It was here that they joined Grace Lutheran Church! Donna also began working at Herberger’s. What started as a part time job became a full time passion of hers for 22 years! Hair, makeup and nails perfectly done and pearls donned, she excelled at her job and loved it!!!! Not only did she raise her family, maintain her home and work a full time job, but she was an amazing hostess! She could put an event together or make an incredible meal for family and friends and make it look effortless! Her home was the one where everyone congregated! She was always there for others. She would have gone to no end to help her family and friends anytime! A true servant and giver! After widowed she was very self sufficient and active! She loved bowling and was on two leagues, active in church, volunteered and loved going to movies or out to eat. She stayed connected with her old friends and made many new! In 2012 she was diagnosed with lung cancer, was treated and defied odds until 2018 when it began growing rapidly. With the help of God, family and friends she was still able to have an active life until just before she passed. On May 4, 2020 at 9:20 am she became absent from the body and present with the LORD! She will be missed by all who knew and loved her!

Donna was preceded in death by husband Paul V.; parents Frank & Sylvia Smetana; siblings Leo, Ernie & Frannie. Survived by daughters Linda (Linden) Norgard, Lisa (Dean) Bridger; grandchildren Pam( Dan), Stephanie, Lauren, John & Nicole; great-grandsons Michael & Levi; siblings Caroline & Bill; many nieces & nephews. Memorial Service Wednesday, July 1, 2020 11:0 a.m at. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 149 8th Avenue South, South St. Paul. Family will greet friends 1 hour before Service. Interment Riverview Cemetery.