Mary Ellen Phillippi, age 77, of Baldwin, died on September 5, 2011 at the Baldwin Care Center. Mary was born on April 9, 1934 to Clare and Helene (Daniels) Preston in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She began her childhood in Eau Claire and Stanley, Wisconsin but would move with her family to Elkhart, Indiana.

In 1950, Mary was united in marriage to William Phillippi. The union would be blessed with 4 children but would dissolve 12 years later.  By this time, Mary was again living in Stanley, WI where she worked as a teacher’s aide in the Stanley school system.  Her real passions were her family and church.  As a member of the Pleasant Valley Church in Stanley, she served as a choir leader, pianist, and youth leader.  She touched many lives and loved being a part of her youth group.  She was also involved in the community’s summer Bible school program and worked with many children in the community.

In the early 70’s, she moved to Ellsworth, WI where she worked for Strom’s Group Home.  She also worked with the Ellsworth Head Start Program.  This continued until her move to Thorp, Wisconsin where she took care of her parents until their passing.  She spent some time living in Sheldon, WI with her son before making her final move to the Baldwin Care Center in 2001.  Often residents and guests were treated to her music on the piano.
 
Mary was a talented and dedicated woman.  Music was a big part of her life and she enjoyed singing, and playing not just the piano, but the accordion as well.  She was also a skilled seamstress with the ability to create and design clothes without the use of patterns.  Mary enjoyed relaxing by reading and was an avid Scrabble player.  She also enjoyed travel, making many trips to Alaska, Missouri, Montana and other places in the US.
 
Mary is survived by her family.  This includes her: children, Mary “Jody” (Clayton) Shilts of Baldwin, Jeanne Phillippi of Augusta, WI, and John (Carol) Phillippi of Sheldon, WI; 8 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and brothers, Jeremy Preston of Eau Claire, Joseph Preston of Muscatine, IA, and Timothy Preston of Sulphur, LA.
 
Mary is preceded in death by her: parents; son, James Phillippi, and 3 brothers, Mike, Danny and Peter Preston.
 
A memorial service for Mary will be held on Saturday, September 10 at 11 o’clock in the morning at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Wilson, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be held for an hour prior to the service. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory – Baldwin, WI 715.684.3434