Debra Anne Phillips

Debra A. Phillips, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and lifelong dog lover, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 62. She looked forward to being reunited with her mother and best friend, who shared her deep love of animals.

Born on August 17, 1963, in East Hartford, Connecticut, Deb lived a simple life defined by kindness, strength, resilience, and a profound love for animals, especially black GSD German Shepherds.

Deb worked for Teamsters Local 671 Health Services & Insurance Plan in Bloomfield, Connecticut, for 37 years before retiring in January 2024. A devoted dog enthusiast, she took great joy in competing with her dogs in agility trials, disc-throwing, and dock-diving events, and proudly displayed their many awards and ribbons. She also loved taking her dogs on long hikes, discovering new trails and places, and sharing those adventures with others.

Deb is survived by her siblings, Diane Choquette and Alan Phillips and his wife, Karen; her nieces and nephews, Kyle Choquette, Alan Phillips Jr. and his wife, Jarlyn, Stephanie Lisenko, Michael Phillips, and Tricia Phillips; her aunt, Carol Greene; several cousins, including Steven Atkins and David Phillips; lifelong friend, Pam (Harney) Kirychuk, and many dear friends in the dog community. She also leaves behind her beloved pets: two dogs, Eva and Britta, and three cats, Boo, Merlin, and Spotty.

Deb was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Anne Phillips; her nephews, Zachary Choquette and Vincent Sheehan Jr.; her cherished dogs, Muffin, Shadow, Pepper, Dakota, Luna, Nina, and ZsaZsa; and her horse, Elle.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Complete Care at Fox Hill in Vernon, Connecticut, for the wonderful care they provided to Deb.

The family is also deeply grateful to Stephanie, who spent countless hours at Deb's bedside, providing both care and companionship.

Special thanks are extended to Alan Jr., Jarlyn, Travis Palin, and Deb’s neighbor, Brenda Parker, for caring for Deb’s pets over the past few months and helping them remain at home. The family also thanks Cheryl Hutchings and Paula Heriot for bringing Deb’s dogs to visit during her final days.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Newkirk and Whitney, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, Connecticut. Burial will take place on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at East Cemetery, 220 East Center Street, Manchester, Connecticut. All are welcome to attend.

Donations in Deb's memory may be made to Protectors of Animals in East Hartford, Connecticut.