Margaret Judson McPhillips 85 of Ormond Beach passed away peacefully on May 21 2012 at Florida Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and friends. She was born September 9 1926 in Middletown New York to Bennett and Amanda (Cole) Judson. Her parents were hardworking Christian people who instilled in their daughter Margaret the attributes of kindness and generosity which she epitomized all of her life. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1944 and in 1946 married George F. McPhillips a former trustee of Bethune-Cookman University who died in 2004. In the early years of the McPhillips' married life Margaret worked in the insurance business supporting her husband's studies at Syracuse University and helping him forge a successful career in real estate. The young couple lived in many communities in the northeastern and southern states while rearing their two children Mary Beth and Mark until they settled for 19 consecutive years in Ridgewood New Jersey. There Margaret established an admirable reputation for being a generous person of her time and talents. She volunteered in the public schools was an assistant leader with the Girl Scouts and a member of the Lions Auxiliary. For 11 consecutive years she was the designer and costume creator for the Hillside Players a performance group at her church Westside Presbyterian. In the early 1960s Margaret took an interest in healthcare. After completing a nursing course she became a CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant) which at that time was a voluntary position. Her desire for a career as a registered nurse took a back seat to her husband's career and the couple began again to move their young family to several more communities throughout the Northeast. In every community in which she lived Margaret gave of her time and talents to youth and church groups.
Partially retired in 1992 Mr. and Mrs. McPhillips resided in both Massachusetts and Florida for several years. Living in Massachusetts brought Margaret closer to her daughter and her two grandsons Peter and David. She and her husband had many years of enjoyment as supporters of their grandsons' academic and athletic activities. In recent years she witnessed the many successes they have both had in their professional careers. Throughout their married life the McPhillips traveled extensively visiting the seven Continents and meeting people of all cultures and interests. In addition to her dedication to her family Mrs. McPhillips donated substantial time and resources to the honor and benefit of the Great Bethune-Cookman University. She served as both a Trustee and a member of the Women's Advisory Board. During her tenure as a BCU trustee she committed herself to the beautification of the University grounds. She developed many lifelong relationships at Bethune and truly enjoyed being on campus with her BCU family attending numerous parties events and celebrations over the years. Her real passion at Bethune however was for the Nursing Department. Mrs. McPhillips became a devoted friend to the program and a generous benefactor establishing an endowed nursing scholarship program. In honor of her late husband Dr. George F. McPhillips Mrs. McPhillips also established a scholarship fund for Hospitality Management majors. Margaret was also a member of the Pilot Club of the Halifax Area. Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter Mary Beth; her "favorite son-in-law" Roger of Winthrop Maine; her son Mark of New Hope Pennsylvania; her niece Lori Greco of Pierson Florida. Margaret's two grandsons Peter Bryan Maloney of New York City and David Rogers Maloney of Boston will especially miss the unconditional love support and encouragement that "Mema" provided them during her lifetime. A Celebration of Life for Margaret McPhillips will be held Saturday June 23 2012 at 11:00 am at Bethune-Cookman University. The Celebration will be on campus at the Wendell P. Holmes Building 155 N. Lincoln St. Daytona Beach FL 32114. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.