Shelley A. Phillips

Shelley Ann Phillips, 55, of Saranac Lake, NY, passed away April 7th, 2025 peacefully in her sleep with loved ones by her side.

Shelley was born April 15th, 1969 in Saranac Lake to Charles R. Phillips and Mildred D. Phillips (Tucker). She had two children with her ex-husband Eric F. Wamsganz of Saranac Lake: her son Eric C Wamsganz of Childwood, and her daughter Sarah A Wamsganz of Burlington VT. Shelley had an older brother, Charles D. Phillips of Tupper Lake.

Shelley graduated from Saranac Lake High School on June 17th 1987 and earned her Practical Nursing Degree (CPN) from North Country Community College on May 15th 1995, where it is noted that she was an exemplary student. When she was young, Shelley worked with her mother at the American Village Laundromat. She worked at Adirondack Medical Center from 1995 until 2018, and loved all 23 years of being able to help her community. During that time she also worked at the laundromat in town, where she enjoyed helping her beloved locals further. After leaving AMC, she worked at Stewart's in Lake Placid, where she brightened her regulars’ days and vice versa.

Shelley was a true local of the Adirondacks and was proud of where she came from. She cherished animals dearly throughout her life, and gave so much love to all of her pets. She enjoyed making and sharing soaps and bathbombs for friends and family. She also loved making and canning jams and jellies and dreamed of selling “Shelley's Jelleys” one day.

Shelley was a member and former deacon of the Presbyterian Church, and was a good friend to everyone there. She had a deep passion for live music, and would bring any willing soul to the next show. She made friends everywhere she went with her kind soul, spitfire attitude, and her ability to make others feel seen and heard.

Shelley was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Mildred, and is survived by her two children Eric and Sarah, her brother Charles and his wife Joanne, their son Brian, and many cousins.

Visitation will be held at Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake next Monday, April 14th from 10AM to 12PM, with a short service starting at noon officiated by Pastor Joann White. There will be a celebration of life at the First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake to follow, from 1-3PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions to help offset costs of the funeral to the family can be made at: https://www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com/obituaries/shelly-phillips