Obituary of Deirdre Hope-Ross

Deirdre Harris Philpott Hope-Ross, 87, formerly of Fairfield and Milford, made her Heavenly journey on January 21, 2018  while under the loving care of the staff of Summit Place and Beacon Hospice of South Carolina.

Deirdre was born on June 28, 1930 in Cork, Ireland to Thomas F. and Elizabeth J. Harris Philpott. She immigrated to the USA with her husband-to-be Peter in July, 1953.  She was a clinical pathologist, but gave up her active medical practice to raise her six children.  As her children became more independent, she taught histology at Fairfield University and assisted her husband in his private pathology lab.

Deirdre was a devout catholic and enthusiastically embraced the Christian ethics of helping others with love and joy. She was an avid volunteer; working with Park City Hospital , St. Ann’s School and Church in Black Rock, Laurel Beach Garden Club and any other organization that needed a hand. Deirdre lived life to the fullest. She and, her late husband, Peter enjoyed their time off sailing, skiing, and walking on the beach. Time on the golf course, attending any live performance, and listening to opera were also among Dee's favorite pastimes.

A loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and friend, Dee will be remembered for caring for others above herself. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her. Her memory will be cherished by her children and their spouses; Felicity and Patrick Lavin of Sunset Beach, NC, Pam and John Sisson of Palatine, IL, John and Mary Hope-Ross of Naugatuck,  CT, Chris and Annette Hope-Ross of Portsmouth, NH, Gwen and Don Szymkowicz of Harwich, MA and Eric and Jackie Hope-Ross of Yorktown Heights, NY, Six grandchildren; David, William and Steven Hope-Ross, Jillian Hope-Ross, Anastasia and Nathaniel Szymkowicz and one great grandchild Patrick Tannian.

A Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, March 9th, at 10:30 AM in St. Gabriel's Church, 26 Broadway in Milford, with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.

The family would ask that donations be sent to Alzheimer’s Association (www.Alz.org/ct) in lieu of any flowers. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.