Jolene Susan Phillips

Jolene Susan Murphy was born on September 10, 1949, in St. Paul, MN to CJ (Cornelius) and Bonnie Murphy. She graduated from Columbia Heights High School in June of 1967 along with her future husband David.

Jolene was married to David Phillips on June 19, 1971 at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Minneapolis. She has three children, Sean Phillips of Rosemount MN; Shannon (Phillips) Savelkoul (Richard Savelkoul) of Lake Elmo, MN; and Molly (Phillips) Poulton (Bryce Poulton) of Blaine, MN. For the past 53 years Jolene and David have lived on a special street, Sioux Court, in New Brighton. On Sioux Court the families have supported and helped each other in good times and times of need. This was very special for Jolene and comforting to the family now.

Jolene was known as Counting Grandma to her three Savelkoul granddaughters, Brynn, Abbey and Madelyn. She was the Doughnut Grandma to her Phillips grandchildren, Elizabeth and AJ (Andrew). The youngest Poulton granddaughters, Breya, Makenna and baby Maya all call her Nana. She cherished all the love from her grandchildren. Whatever the name, she was the very best mother and grandmother leading by example. Jolene was the glue that mended the hurts and made all in the family stronger.

Jolene loved to travel with David. Together they visited 58 countries around the world, she stood at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland; mobile tent camped across the Serengeti while enjoying the giraffes, lions, zebras and hippos. One of her favorite places was Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. Jolene and David discovered King Tut’s Tomb in Luxor, Egypt (just not the first) and woke up to the sunrise over the Taj Mahal in Agra India.

Jolene and David walked hand in hand on Ipanema Beach in Rio. She visited Machu Pichu in Peru and saw the Moia up close on Easter Island. She and David drove through most of the European countries. Jolene also loved to travel the US in classic old convertibles.

Jolene was always ready to go on the next adventure, but above all placed family first. She will be greatly missed by her husband and family and all who knew her. Jolene was an amazing woman.

Jolene will be returned to St Olaf Catholic Church for a Funeral Mass on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The doors will open at 9:30 am.

St Olaf is located at 215 South 8th Street in downtown Minneapolis. It is located between 2nd Avenue South and Third Avenue South. There is a small parking lot on the east side of the church which can be entered from 8th Street or 3rd Ave. Please try to park in one of the nearby ramps to keep the close parking at the church for those with mobility issues.

After the Mass about 11:15 AM there will be a Celebration of Life until about 2:00 PM, This will be at the church.

Please come for the Mass or come for the Celebration or come for both. Jolene wanted bright colors, good conversation and fond memories.

Please consider a donation to St. Olaf Church Samaritan Ministries in lieu of flowers.