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She loved nothing more than sitting down at the piano and filling her home with music.

Anne S. (Kalem) Phillips, longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the remarkable age of 102.

Born on June 18, 1924, in Melrose, Anne was one of three children of the late George and Urania (Soteriades) Kalem. Raised in Malden, she graduated from Malden High School and went on to attend Wheaton College, where she studied piano and organ. She married George A. Phillips Jr. in Malden, and together they made their home in Melrose, where they raised their two children.

Music was one of the great joys of Anne's life. An exceptional and passionate piano player, she loved nothing more than sitting down at the piano and filling her home with music. Her children grew up surrounded by it, and through her example, Anne passed along a lasting appreciation for music and the happiness it brought her. The piano remained a special part of who she was throughout her life.

Anne and George shared a wonderful life together, one filled with happiness, laughter, friendships, and adventure. They enjoyed socializing with friends, dancing, and seeing the world, including many cruises. A very special place in their lives was Geneva Point Center on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, where they created a lifetime of memories for their children, family, and friends over many happy summer vacations.

Anne was a woman of deep faith, and her faith remained an important part of her life. She was also generous with her time and support, always willing to help organizations and causes she believed could make a difference in the world.

She had a genuine appreciation for life and found happiness in so many of its everyday pleasures. She enjoyed being outdoors and watching the birds she faithfully fed, watching figure skating on TV, anticipating a big snowstorm with excitement, and reading the newspaper each day. She was curious, engaged, and always humbled by the world around her.

Through the many chapters of a long and remarkable life, Anne persevered with a smile. She had a natural ability to find the good in life, carry on through difficult times, and remain grateful for what each new day brought. She was known for her kind heart, her generosity, her sense of humor, and the happiness she brought to those around her.

Anne's life was filled with music, faith, family, friendship, and more than a century of memories. She will be remembered especially for the joy she found at the piano, the love she gave her family, and the genuine happiness she carried with her throughout her life.

Anne was the beloved wife of 52 years to the late George A. Phillips, Jr. Devoted mother of Nancy J. Phillips and her husband Brice McPherson of Berkeley, CA, and Stephen G. Phillips of Melrose. Loving grandmother of Laurel McPherson. Dear sister of the late George Kalem, Jr. and Theodore "Teddy" Kalem. Cherished Aunt Anne of many nieces and nephews and family friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Anne's life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 9-10am, followed by her Funeral Service at 10am. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. 

In lieu of flowers if you wish, please consider donating in memory of Anne to a charity of your choice or to Geneva Point Center, 108 Geneva Point Rd., Moultonborough, NH 03254.