Irma Phillips

Irma Phillips, 91 Lakeland- Irma Phillips, 91, recently of Lakeland FL, previously of Pembroke Pines, FL died of cerebral atherosclerosis on January 19, 2018 in Lakeland FL, after a lengthy illness. Irma was born on February 18, 1926 in Ponce, PR to José Carlos Pedrogo, and Rosa María Pedrogo y Cordero. Married on June 3, 1950 in New York to Robert Phillips. She served as a secretary to the commanding officer at the naval air base in Antigua during World War II. She attended Pennsylvania College for Women (now called Chatham University) in Pittsburg, then Columbia University School of Optometry (where she met her husband) from 1948-1950, and practiced optometry in New York until her retirement in 2000. Irma was a member and past president of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. She took a leadership role in the Lioness Club/Lions Clubs International in Deer Park, NY. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 65 years, Robert, and is survived by 3 children Robert Phillips (Kathleen Connelly), Richard Phillips, Patricia Brand (John). She leaves 5 grandchildren, Adam Phillips, Tatiana Phillips, Nicole Brand, Ryan Brand, and Jordan Brand. Viewing will be on Thursday, January 25, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 Ingram Ave., Lakeland. Funeral services will be Friday, January 26, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 210 W Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33815. The family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) in lieu of flowers.