Geraldine M. Phillips

Geraldine M. Phillips

Geraldine (Gerri) M. Phillips of Brookline, MA and formally of Rutland, VT, died on December 26, 2025 at her North Hill residence in Needham, MA.

Born in Rutland on June 3, 1929, she was the daughter of Michael and Christine (Dimitrakopoulos) Phillips. Gerri attended Rutland public schools and graduated from the University of Vermont. At UVM she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

Following graduation from UVM, Gerri taught elementary school in Rutland and then in New Jersey followed by two years living in Athens, Greece teaching at the American College. Always known by her students as “Ms. Phillips”, Gerri spent her remaining 40-year career with first graders at the Pierce Elementary School in Arlington, MA . Gerri was known for her statement “all children are beautiful”.

Survivors include her two nieces, Deadra Doku Gardner (Timothy Gover) of Wellesley, MA and Christine Fowler Santwire (TodGrembowicz)of North Clarendon, VT; two great nieces, Erin and Ashley Santwire. Gerri cherished her two cousins, Yiota and Andy Simoglou of Westford, MA.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Patricia Phillips, Rose Fowler and Theodora (Teddi) Doku.

Gerri was a member of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. The Phillips family were long time members of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Rutland.

A graveside service will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, 154 Business Route 4, Rutland, Vermont on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, c/o Mrs. Ruth Louras, 64 Church St., Rutland, Vermont 05701.

Tossing Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.