Venus Phillips was born on Staten Island, in New York City, the only daughter of Moushegh and Zabel. While growing up during the Great Depression, the family moved quite often. They settled in a neighborhood of Manhattan called Washington Heights.

The family attended Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. Venus sang in the choir. She graduated from Armenian school in 1938. And in 1943, she graduated from George Washington High School.

The following year, the family moved from New York to Fresno, California. They attended Saint Paul Armenian Church, forming many life-long friendships. Venus joined Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO), sang in the choir, and belonged to the Ladies Society.

Her parents owned a restaurant called Belle's Cafe. That's where she learned to be an excellent cook — and where she became a connoisseur of ice cream, especially rocky road and chocolate.

In 1951, Venus met her future husband, Gregory. He was of Greek and Armenian ancestry. Greg worked as a journeyman pipe fitter, spoke eight languages, and was an avid soccer player. The couple raised two children: Terry and Genese.

The Phillips family moved to San Jose in 1961, where Greg found more opportunities to thrive in his trade. Venus quickly found a new spiritual home at what is now St. Andrew Armenian Church. She became a faithful member of the congregation, the choir and the Ladies Society. She served on the Ladies Society executive board and was elected chairlady in 2001.

As her children grew up, Venus went to work as an administrative assistant in the Campbell Union High School District. She retired in 1981. Sadly, her beloved husband passed away in 1988.

Venus was fluent in written and spoken Armenian. She taught her daughter, Genese, a love for the Armenian language and for the Armenian church.

Venus was also a sharp-eyed proofreader, with excellent spelling and beautiful handwriting. She taught her son, Terry, a love for writing and for public speaking.

Beyond her activities in her spiritual community, Venus had many, many other interests. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and golf, attending performances of opera and theater, as well as performing on stage herself in both English and Armenian. Venus played the violin throughout her life.

She also liked to knit and to crochet. She volunteered in elementary schools, inspiring children with her relentless optimism and enthusiasm.

But above all else, Venus was dedicated to her family, her friends and her community. She set an example for all of us.

Venus passed away peacefully at age 97, with her son and daughter by her side. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Her memory will be with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church, 11370 S. Stelling Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014.

www.standrewarmchurch.org