Connie Phillips

Constance May (DeShone) Phillips April 21, 1938 – July 4, 2026

With hearts full of sadness, we announce the passing of our dear mother, Constance May DeShone Phillips, at the age of 88. She was accepted into the loving arms of Jesus on Saturday, July 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters and granddaughters.

Our mother worked for the Lowell Post Office as a mail carrier for twenty years and retired in 2000. After her retirement, she devoted time to her children, grandchildren, and her many friends. She pursued her many passions in life, which included sewing, gardening, travel, reading, and furniture restoration. She walked the Mackinac Bridge in 2019 at the age of 81. During her illness, she colored thousands of lunch sacks for Kids Food Basket (“her job”). She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. She was dearly loved by many and will be truly missed.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Charlotte and Edward Szmanski, her brother James DeShone, her daughter Beth Schuivens, and an infant son, John. She is survived by her children, Laurel Van Heulen, William Van Heulen (Linda), Diane Struyk (Scott), James Van Heulen (Lorie), Scott Van Heulen, Sheila Sandoval, Matthew Van Heulen (Nina), and Mark Phillips (Teresa), her step children Mary Decker (Bob), Barb Looman (Jim), Patty Schmidt (Mike), Jim Phillips, and Tonya Gorby, her thirty-five grandchildren, and thirty-eight great-grandchildren. A special heartfelt thank you and appreciation to her devoted neighbor, friend, and caregiver for the past four years, Gloria Kearby.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 10, 2026 at 11 AM at Westview Christian Reformed Church, 2929 Leonard St. NW. Friends may visit with her family beginning at 10 AM at the church. A private family interment will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park.

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