Elaine Madigan Phillips, 69, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed into Heaven on March 24, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by family and friends. Her husband, Pat Phillips, and her parents, Robert Irving and Lucia Penteado Madigan, preceded her in death.
Elaine is survived by a sister, Teresa Watkins (Keith) Montgomery, and brother, Thomas Madigan, Montgomery; stepchildren Amy Marshall (Doug), Kansas City, and Sheri Phillips; nephew Scott Watkins (Jenny) and niece, Emily Watkins (Patrick); grandnephews Gage Watkins, Noah Watkins, Will Holcombe, and Benjamin Holcombe, and grandniece and princess, Hazel Watkins; brother-in-law Michael (Sheila) Phillips, along with their children Robert (Marlene) Phillips, Ryan (Giselle) Phillips, and Mark Craig (Sarah Brunstein).
Elaine was born in Brazil but lived in the United States most of her life. She graduated from Lanier High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in romance languages summa cum laude from the University of Alabama, and a Masters's degree from Ohio State University in Policy Design and Management. She was multilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and lived and worked abroad in Spain and Brazil. Twenty-five years of her business career were spent at Fermi Labs in Geneva/St. Charles, Illinois, as a Human Resources Specialist.
After returning to Montgomery in 2017, Elaine was employed as an International Trade Specialist for the University of Alabama, assisting small businesses in international trade.
Elaine is known for her acts of service to others and her sweet smile.
A memorial service will be held at St. James Methodist Church at 9045 Vaughn Road, on Saturday, April 8, with visitation at 1 p.m. and service at 2 p.m., Reverend Lester Spencer presiding.
Memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association of Alabama at www.als.org/alabama, St. James Methodist Church, or your favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AlabamaHeritageFH.com for the Phillips family.
Posted online on April 05, 2023
Published in Montgomery Advertiser
Ken Seamon (1971)
Elaine had a bright and wonderful spirit. It was an honor to know her. Rest in Peace, Elaine. 🌹🌹🌹
Joyce Faye Kinard (Henke) (1971)
Elaine was always friendly, nice and outgoing in school. Sad to read of her life cut short. I am sorry for the friends and family's loss.
Nancy Meigs (Curtis) (1971)
Elaine was at our 50th Reunion in April, 2022 and I enjoyed being able to talk with her. She was such a bright, articulate, SMART, and kind person and so pretty. I am so very sorry to know this sad news. Earth's loss is Heaven's gain.