Claire Phillips

Giving Spirit Lives On

Claire Phillips lived her life ahead of the times as a woman in the late 1940s. She worked alongside her late husband, Charles, to build their company-- Phillips Supply Company--into a thriving business. She served as treasurer of the family company. And Phillips succeeded in receiving the licensure necessary to become a corporate pilot; she flew for Phillips Supply Company and became the first female commercial pilot to log one million miles.

Through their success, Charles and Claire never forgot about their roots. "It was very important for my mom and my dad to give back to the community," explains Pam Rossman, their oldest daughter and current President of Phillips Supply Company. "They wanted to make sure it continues to thrive." Phillips passed away in March at the age of 90.

After visiting a friend who was being cared for at Hospice of Cincinnati Claire began regularly donating to Hospice of Cincinnati. Her own company has been a corporate sponsor for all of Hospice of Cincinnati's special events over the past 10 years.

"Mom put her heart and soul into the business," Rossman remembers. "This same dedication was evident in her giving spirit."

Written by Debbie Marques

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