Margaret Phillip

Ms. Margaret Phillip passed away suddenly on August 5, 2023 in Maryland USA surrounded by her loved ones. She leaves behind a daughter, Nichelle Harriott and two grandchildren, Johan and Eli. 

She was the sister of Erica, Arnott, Gemma Phillip, Melena Simmons and Marcey Riley-Codrington; Samuel and David Phillip (deceased), Raymond and Edmund Cooper (deceased); aunt of Jillian, Dwight, Marsha, Kyle, Dara, Kern, Frederick, Kerri-ann, Megan, Teri, Anna Shandel, ONeal, Lauren, Jared, Sydney, Alexia, and Allison; dear sister-cousin to Pamela Ifill; friend and neighbor to Sheila Duncan.

Born October 9, 1949 to Eric and Anna Phillip, Margaret came into the world as a force to be reckoned with. She grew up in St. Margaret’s Village, Claxton Bay as one of six children. From early on, Margaret’s headstrong nature helped her push boundaries, and with a fierce determination she graduated from Naparima Girls High School, then John Donaldson Technical Institute after which she began her life of public service as an auditor with the Auditor General at the Ministry of Finance where she remained for 40 years.

For those who knew her, Margaret was kindhearted and giving, touching multiple lives with her generosity. A formidable woman, she lived her life the way she wanted and it became a full life. She was well traveled and found time to give back to her church community advocating for children with her tenure on the board of the St. Mary’s Children’s Home. Margaret was vivacious and full of charisma. But watch out, she was not afraid to tell it as it was. People were drawn to her presence of being the life of the party, the one who was easygoing and made jokes, who would remember to wish you happy birthday and offer you a meal when you stopped by. 

To her family, she was the cornerstone, the one to get everyone together. Her New Year’s Day celebration drew all her family near. It became an annual tradition and mini family reunion everyone looked forward to and would remain in the hearts of us all. Aunty Mags, as her nieces and nephews called her, was always available to lend an ear, some advice, and even some hard truths. Yet, no one got turned away. For others embraced as family, she was also Aunty Mags and became a rock to many who saw her as a friend and mother figure.

Margaret was loved by many and will be so remembered.

In lieu of flowers, folks can donate to Elizabeth House, dedicated to helping feed the homeless and the working poor. FISH of Laurel, Inc.

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