Mary Agnes (Palinkas) Phillips

Mary Agnes Phillips (Palinkas) 

Mary Agnes Phillips, age 86, passed away peacefully in McKees Rocks, PA on July 19, 2025. She is survived by her two daughters: Mary D. Phillips (Mike Quinn) and Patti (Todd) Best; her grandchildren, Abbe’ Michael Quinn, Tim Quinn,Patricia Tiu, Ian Best and Alex Best. Born in Cleveland, she graduated from Euclid High School in 1956. She met her husband of 57 years, Richard W. Phillips (deceased), at a Young Catholic Adult Club dance in Euclid.

Mary Agnes was a teller and later a branch manager for Cleveland Trust/Ameritrust in Euclid and Chagrin Falls, Ohio. After the family move to Scottsdale, Arizona in the early 1980s, Mary enjoyed working at a local flower shop and Macy’s where she earned top seller status. She was proud of being a Girl Scout through her teens, and often shared stories of lifelong friends, exciting trips, etiquette skills, and her gratitude for the support and leadership development she experienced.  A favorite pastime was piling her kids and their cousins into the station wagon to go garage “sale-ing” with her Cousin Sue. 

Mary Agnes was a skilled backyard gardener and instilled this love in her children and shared it with her Ohio communities in Euclid and Auburn Township, and the Healing Garden at The Franciscan Renewal Center in Arizona.

Faith continued to be an important part of Mary Agnes life and she and Dick were active in several parishes throughout the years.  Dick and Mary Agnes’ marriage and faith life was deepened and enriched by The Marriage Encounter retreat experience and continued to inspire her spirituality and charitable efforts.  

Mary Agnes loved to travel and explore the world. As a couple they were blessed to have seen Italy, Spain, Germany and Ireland together; Hawaii was a favorite destination. 

In her later years, Mary Agnes settled in the Pittsburgh area near her daughter. She loved to visit the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Trax Farms and Phipps Conservatory. She and her family are deeply grateful to the senior residence staff and hospice caregivers who supported her in these last years. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either The Girl Scouts of the USA or The Franciscan Renewal Center in Paradise Valley, Arizona

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