Obituary of Mrs. Cassandra Philips

Cassandra, “Cassie” Philips was born in Kazipet, India, on the 4th of December 1931 to Bernard and Kathleen Roberts. She passed away peacefully in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, on the 4th of February 2024 in the presence of her family and loved ones at the ripe age of 92.

At a very young age she joined the accounts department of the then erstwhile “Nizam State Railways” and further after meeting her future life partner, Ralph Elem Philips, she moved to Bombay joining the “Central Railway.” They tied the knot on the 28th of December 1955 and settled down in Bhusawal, India, starting their own family. Further, she retired, completing 42 years of dedicated service to the Railways in 1989.

Cassandra and Ralph had five children Chervyn, Debra, Erica, Gerardette and Ralph Jr. It was Ralph Jr. who tragically passed away that brought out the determined personality in Cassandra that helped her cope with the passing away of her beloved husband.

Now, single handed, she undertook the responsibility of having her first three children settle down with their spouses and witnessed her youngest daughter dedicate her life to God as she joined “The Society of The Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

Cassandra’s two daughters migrated to Canada where she joined them in 2004, followed by her son and his family in 2007.

Now leading a retired life, Cassandra the last of the “Roberts” siblings kept herself busy interspacing her life in between Church, Soap Operas and visiting her children. She interacted with her grandchildren Craig, Shaun, Rouchelle, Mark, Sharon, Ralph, Chantelle and Renee; while not forgetting her Anglo Indian traditions she infused into her family, the same that had been handed down to her over the generations.

Her greatest reward and achievement was turning a great-grand Mother to Aleksander, William, Caelan, Sofia, James, Sebastian, Isabel, Benjamin and Michael.

Cassandra will always be remembered and loved for her wit and humour, not only by her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren but also by her sons-in- law Nestor and Glen, daughter- in-law Maureen, and the spouses of her grandchildren, Carmen, Cachet, Alex, Paulina, Ernesto and Sasha.

Farewell Mummy, Nana and Great-Grand Nana. May You rest in Peace in your Heavenly Abode and Pray for us.