Ms. Lillian "Lilly" Phillips

Lillian (Lilly) Phillips, 31, of Pittsfield, died at her home November 29, 2021, leaving behind many loved ones forever touched by her gentle spirit, natural wisdom and quiet perseverance. Among those with whom she shared her life were her loving mother Joan and her brother Walker, whose life-long bond with Lilly was an inspiration to anyone who knew them. Born August 19, 1990, daughter of Joan (Lugert) Phillips and the late Paul F. Phillips, Lilly was highly intelligent, yet always humble, excelling in most everything she did, academically, musically and artistically. A pianist, poet, painter and philosopher, Lilly was diligent and self-motivated in her pursuit of knowledge and meaning, challenging assumptions and never willing to leave important questions unanswered. Lilly earned many academic awards during her public-school years, including first place in the citywide spelling bee in the 8th grade. She was one of two fifth grade students from Pittsfield selected to attend a week at DART, an arts immersion program sponsored by Tanglewood. Lilly graduated from Taconic High School in 2008, the first student from that school to be allowed to spend her senior year full time at Berkshire Community College, taking courses in engineering, physics and calculus. Lily was always a strong swimmer and played softball in high school. But the only time her competitive prowess really emerged was when she was challenging her mother, father, brother and others in a game of Scrabble, Boggle, chess and other board contests. She almost always won, but never boasted. Beyond those achievements in her younger life, perhaps the most lasting lesson Lilly left this world was the importance of taking the reality of mental illness out of the darkness and into the full light. Lilly endured many years of serious mental health issues, but never succumbed to self-pity, instead focusing on ways she could help others, even in the depths of her own struggle. She reached out, listened and offered her own caring insights. Besides her mother Joan and brother Walker, Lilly is survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Calling hours for Lilly will be Saturday, December 11, from Noon to 2:00 pm at the Roche Funeral Home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via the funeral home to the Berkshire Music School, where she studied piano for eight years.

Ms. Lillian "Lilly" Phillips

August 19, 1990 - November 29, 2021