Suzanna Jeannette Phillips

Suzanne Jeannette Phillips, 77, passed away peacefully in her home on July 10 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was Assistant Dean of Students at Indiana University Bloomington. Those who knew her remember Suzanne as cheerful and upbeat, with a ready smile that lit up a room. She is survived by Michael Max Phillips, her husband of 55 years, and by three sisters: Diane (Ken) White of Waterville, Ohio; Jeanne (Doug) Armstrong of Fort Meyers, Florida; and Clair (Randy) Climo of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Renald Frechette. 

Suzanne was born July 1, 1947, in Biddeford, Maine, and graduated from Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio. She and Mike married on June 14, 1969. The couple moved to Bloomington in 1972 where they made many friends over the years. Suzanne attended Indiana University Bloomington, which awarded her a B.S. degree in Home Economics in 1979, an Ed.D. degree in 1989 and a J.D. degree in 1998. She was admitted to the Indiana State Bar in 2000. 

In her role as Assistant Dean of Students, Suzanne supported students and their parents, and she contributed to the university community. Suzanne discussed her role in this brief video: An Interview with Suzanne Phillips - YouTube. She also served as advisor to the IU Dance Marathon and a member of the Student Athletic Board, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and the Parents Association Advisory Board, and she was president of the University Club. Suzanne worked at IU for more than four decades, starting her service there as a secretary. She was a loyal fan of the school’s sports teams and was often seen wearing IU attire even following her retirement in 2014. 

Suzanne was active as a volunteer and leader in a number of community organizations including service on the Board of Directors of Hoosierfest Downtown Bloomington. For years she was a familiar face at the Southeast Monroe County YMCA where she was an active member and also served on the Board of Directors. She and her husband enjoyed a variety of pursuits including visits to the family cabin in Ontario, Canada, and sailing on Lake Monroe. The family wants to thank Southern Care Hospice for the attention given to Suzanne and support provided to the family. 

Contributions may be made in Suzanne’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter. A gathering for family and friends will be planned for a later date. Suzanne’s ashes will be spread at the site of the family cabin in Canada.