Mills, J. Philippa (Phil)
SODUS: September 28, 1941 – December 13, 2025
J. Philippa Mills, affectionately known as Phil, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, at Pines of Peace in Ontario.
Phil was born on September 28, 1941, in Rochdale, England, the daughter of the late Arthur and Helen (Haigh) Fleming. Right from the start Phil was an adventurer. She grew up riding horses and passed that love to her children. At 18 she moved to Sodus where she met her future husband Gary before continuing to Hawaii. Upon her return from Hawaii in 1966, she and Gary were married. Phil, Gary and their family traveled the world together over many years while Gary was in the Air Force. They enjoyed many duty stations in this time including California, two tours in Alaska, England and Nebraska before they settled at the Mills Family Apple Farm in Sodus NY. She worked as a Legal Secretary in the Civil Service while Gary served in the Air Force. Once settled in Sodus she became the Office Manager at the Williamson Animal Hospital, where her love of animals shone through every day.
She delighted in caring for her own pets as well as the occasional stray cat that would show up in need of her loving care. Phil’s love of travel took her to many places throughout her life to include Hawaii, France, Germany, Switzerland, Morocco, Italy, Jamaica and Spain. She loved exploring backroads looking for a good roadside farm stand or ice cream shop, tending to her flowering plants and garden and had a deep interest in history. She was very involved in her community by serving on the Sodus Rural Cemetery Board, supporting the Sodus Library, participating in the Sodus Garden Club, and volunteering at the Sodus Point Lighthouse. Above all, it was clear her “little furry babies” were her passion.
Phil is survived by her daughter Leah; her sons Mike (Debbie) and Sean (Sharon) Mills; grandchildren Derek (Hannah), Tristan (Jessica), Brandon, Lexi and Daniel Smith; great-grandchildren Ryley, Jackson, Carter, Kiara and Kiley; her brother Alan Fleming; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her beloved pets—cats Peanut, Baby Boy, Mama Kitty, Peek-a-Boo, Seimee, Fluffy, and her dog Willow.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gary L. Mills, a graduate of Sodus High School and proud Air Force veteran. Gary passed away on November 29, 1996.
At this time, there will be no public calling hours or service.
The family kindly requests memorial contributions be directed to:
Wayne County Humane Society, 1475 County House Road, Lyons, NY 14489 (waynehumane.org)
Pines of Peace Comfort Care Home, 2378 Ridge Road, Ontario, NY 14519 (pinesofpeace.org)
ASPCA (secure.aspca.org)
