Lynne ‘Bama’ Philipps

ALBION – Lynne “Bama” Philipps (formerly Lynne Harris) passed away on April 2, 2021. She was born in Batavia, NY, the oldest daughter of Norman and Rosemary Philipps.

Lynne lived, worked and contributed to the Albion community and then moved to Cape Coral, FL. A graduate of Albion High, she continued her education over the years at Monroe Community College, earning her AAS in Dental Hygiene, and SUNY Brockport, earning her BSEd in Health Education, and her MA in Public Administration.

Her career spanned many areas, including the Onondaga Health Department, the Orleans Correctional Facility, Planned Parenthood, and Orleans Mental Health. Lynne was also a lifetime member of Girls Scouts of America, even serving as the Executive Director of the Thousand Islands Girl Scout Council for a brief time.

Lynne served on many boards, committees and community service groups during her career as well, including the Music Boosters for the high school. She was a member of Rotary, where she served as the Secretary and President-elect, and the League of Women’s Voters. Her “legacy project,” as she called it, was her dedicated work on the planning and development board for the building of the Hoag Library. She enjoyed working with the community as a dental hygienist in her later years before moving with her family to Florida.

During her time in Cape Coral, Lynne was a proud member of the Island Coast Gators, then Mariner Triton families, working as an Educational Paraprofessional with high school students with special needs. She always brought a smile to their faces, and loving patience to their day.  Her favorite thing to do with her students was share her love of cooking where you would often find her in the kitchen showing students prep skills and creating meals and desserts.

Lynne’s biggest joy, however, was her family, especially her daughter Jen, and two amazing grandchildren. They were the light of her life, as she proved daily. She enjoyed spending her free time watching her grandchildren perform in their theatre productions, reading, floating in the pool, watching cooking shows, and researching her family’s exciting history with her cousin, Pam.

Lynne is survived by her daughter Jen (Shawn) Baker, her grandchildren Ramonna and Dash, her brother Norm (Betsy) Philipps, her sister Jodi (Anne Fargnoli) Philipps, her closest cousin and friend Pam Gaeta, and many other loving aunts, cousins and friends.

Friends and family may visit the private home in Cape Coral, FL on Monday April 5, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. to share stories and memories. A memorial service will be held in Albion at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lynne’s memory to the Hoag Library at 134 S. Main St., Albion, NY, 14411.