Florence (Letterie) Phillips passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Emergency Room suddenly on May 12, 2017 at the age of 86. Florence was born in East Boston on July 30, 1930 to the late James & Florence (Delucia) Letterie. She was raised in East Boston, attended East Boston High School and lived most of her life in East Boston. Mrs. Phillips moved to Melrose in the 1990's to be closer to her daughters. She worked for many years as a seamstress in the garment district in Boston on West Street. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend who cherished spending time with her family. Florence was the beloved wife of the late Edward Phillips. Loving mother of Joyce Phillips of Melrose and the late Elaine Ford. Caring sister of Rose Cedrone of East Boston and the late Louis, Patsy, James & Frank Letterie, Mary Rao and Nora Szymanski. Caring grandmother of Joshua & Daniel Ford and great grandmother of Harley Jeannette Ford. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 9:00-10:00AM, followed by a funeral service at 10AM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.