Dolores M. Phillips

                Dolores M. Phillips (nee Kuhn), 84, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at her home after a brief illness.

                Dolores was born June 18, 1938 in Lorain, OH and had been a resident of Vermilion since 1987. She began her career right out of high school at City Bank in Lorain as a teller. She then moved on to Ohio Edison which was then followed by a position as office manager at Louis Cohn Men’s Wear, in downtown Lorain.

                With a growing business acumen, she ultimately transitioned to a successful career in banking and finance, beginning at First Lorain Trust, then on to Ameritrust in downtown Cleveland where she was a loan officer, then promoted to assistant Vice President/Regional Manager. She was also the first woman ever on the board of directors for N.A.R.I., The National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

                These achievements were made even more impressive by the fact she was a young, single mother raising two children, at a time in the late 70’s and 80’s when women weren’t typically in executive roles. As a working mother, she raised her children with an abundance of love and support, always putting their needs before her own. After retirement in 1987, she worked at Valley Harbor Marina in Vermilion with her husband, George Phillips.

                Dolores also had a passion for volunteer work, beginning at St. Joseph and Lorain Community/ Mercy Hospital and at St. Mary Church in Vermilion where she was a Eucharistic minister and sacristan for nearly 20 years. With a love for the city of Vermilion and its people, she was instrumental in the formation of Main Street Vermilion in 2001, eventually serving as President. She enjoyed traveling, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and Saturday afternoon lunch and movie dates with her children. She also loved animals, always caring for at least one dog or cat of her own, plus numerous grand dogs.

                Dolores is survived by her son, Chris Luke of North Ridgeville; daughter, Stephanie Lukovics of Vermilion; step-sons, David and Daniel Phillips of Vermilion, Darren Phillips of Indian Lake; grandchildren, Terren (Tim) Paine of Vermilion, Stacey Maczulis of Naples, FL, Megan (Tim) Wasmer-Coan of Denver, CO, Michael Wasmer of Naples, FL, Miles Bakley of Naples, FL; and great-grandchildren, Makenzie and Macie Paine of Vermilion.

                She was proceeded in death by her husband of 30 years, George E. Phillips in 2017; parents, Louis and Margaret (nee Miller) Kuhn; sisters, Lois Zwald and Marcie Volpe.

                A private Mass and Christian Burial will be held.

                The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Church, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089 in lieu of flowers.

                Heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Mercy New Life Hospice, for their kindness and support.