Catherine Marie Phillips

Catherine Marie “Tootsie” (Novosel) Phillips

Catherine Marie (Novosel) Phillips departed her loving family on January 3, 2022, at Harbor House Hospice in Beaumont, TX. She was a sweet, kind and loving mother, daughter and wife. Catherine will always be remembered as a loving mother, teacher, mentor and friend. She loved her family and made many sacrifices throughout her life for her family. Her kindness and gentleness will be greatly missed by family and friends. She led by example with her display of kindness and generosity. She instilled the life lesson that “It is better to give than receive”. Not only was she a very giving person, she was a very forgiving person.

Catherine was born on December 20, 1932 in McKeesport, PA, the only child of Amelia (Kraly) Novosel and Anton Novosel. Catherine adored her father and he adored her! His nickname for her was “Zlata” which means “Gold” in her Croatian Roots. Catherine graduated from Plum High School and later attended Duquesne University. After raising her family she graduated from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA) with a B.S. Ed in 1975 along with her daughter, Deborah (Girdich) Noce Wingate. It was a very special day for Mother and Daughter!

Catherine was a devoted mother to Deborah Wingate and Barbara McKeever. When times might get difficult she would always remind us that “This too shall pass”. Her encouragement and optimism helped each of us in our own struggles and endeavors. Catherine was always cheerful and optimistic…she planned on getting back to living but God had other plans for her. Her smile was very special and so many friends have remarked about her smile!

Catherine’s 1st job was working in her parents’ meat market and grocery store, stocking shelves and later as a cashier with only pencil and paper! Later, she embarked on the a career as a Classroom Teacher, Reading Specialist, and Accreditation Team Member for both the Pittsburgh Diocese and Galveston-Houston Diocese. Catherine was known for her devotion to her students and her incredible teaching skills. Her teaching career began at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Unity, PA and concluded at St. Augustine Catholic School in Houston, TX. During her career she taught at various Catholic Schools throughout Houston, TX. She loved her students and loved the teaching profession; it showed in the students love and respect for her. She was most proud of her two daughters. She was also proud of her successful teaching career, especially with children with disabilities or behavioral problems. She had a special rapport and ability to reach these children. Her hobbies included holiday baking with her daughters, reading, crossword puzzles, word games and computer games. She enjoyed learning new things and felt that “One is never too old to learn”!

In addition to her parents, she was pre-ceded in death by her husband Walter Phillips. She is survived by her daughter Deborah Wingate (Al Wingate) of Orange, TX and daughter, Barbara McKeever (James McKeever) of Houston, TX.

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00P.M. on Monday, January 10, 2022 at Claybar Funeral Home, Orange, TX. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 P.M.on Monday, January 10th at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, TX.

Catherine Phillips devoted years of service to teaching the CROSS Academies of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston because educating students in need was a cause close to her heart. If you feel so moved, the family invites you to make a gift to the children of CROSS Academies in her memory.

Memorial gifts may be sent to: (In Memory of Catherine M. Phillips)
CROSS Academies
C/o Development Dept.
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
1700 San Jacinto
Houston, TX 77002