Lila Phillips Zwart, of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away on September 5, 2025, in New Braunfels, Texas. She was called home to be with the Lord and was reunited with her beloved husband, Ben.
Lila Phillips Zwart
Born on February 14, 1926, in Somerville, Massachusetts, Lila was the first daughter of Evelyn Louise Robley Phillips and Benjamin Joseph Phillips. She graduated from Stamford High School in 1942. During World War II, her family relocated to Groton, Connecticut, where she worked as a Civil Servant at the Naval Submarine Base. She also took part in the base’s theatre group, appearing in two productions.
After the war, she returned to Stamford and completed studies at Merrill Business School, followed by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. She performed twice at Carnegie Hall and in other New York venues as part of a singing trio.
In 1947, she married Bernardus (Ben) M. Zwart, Jr. Lila first worked as secretary to the President of Dagmar Chemical Company in Stamford and later as private secretary to conductor Leopold Stokowski in New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut. In 1952, with their growing family, she and Ben purchased property in New Canaan. Ben built their home in his spare time, and they moved in just before the arrival of their second child in 1954.
Lila quickly became an active part of her community. She joined the Town Players of New Canaan, where she performed in numerous productions and served for many years as an officer and board member. She was also a board member of the Community Nursery School, a founding board member of the first Children’s Theatre of New Canaan, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and President of the West School PTA.
Once her children were grown, Lila resumed her professional career as an executive secretary in the corporate office of Esterline Corporation in Darien, Connecticut. Following retirement, she was highly involved with the DAR as well as the Historical Society of New Canaan. She and Ben also enjoyed traveling the world together until his health declined. Lila lovingly cared for him in their New Canaan home until his passing on December 7, 2016, after 69 years of marriage.
In 2018, Lila moved to an independent living community in New Braunfels, Texas, and in 2021 relocated to another residence there that offered more accessible activities.
Lila was predeceased by her husband, Ben, and her sister, Dorothy Phillips Lloyd. She is survived by her three children: Col. Benton Phillips Zwart, MD (Kathryn/Kay), of New Braunfels, TX; Christopher Wayne Zwart (Norma) of Trumbull, CT; and Virginia Louise Fanelli (Gino) of Hope, ME. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and her niece and nephew, Dianne Lloyd and Ivan David Lloyd of Independence, MO.
Funeral arrangements are being made locally, with burial to follow at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan. Lila will be remembered for her love of the arts, her devotion to her family, and her lifelong service to her community.