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Mary Chesebro Phipps
Mary Chesebro Phipps of New York and Southampton died peacefully in her sleep on October 9. She was 97.
Phipps was born in San Marcos, Texas, on July 25, 1924. She lost her parents at an early age, and was raised by her aunts in Coral Gables, Florida.
After attending the University of Miami, she moved to New York and began a modeling career under the name Dana Chessman. Chosen to portray the modern Gibson girl in New York’s Golden Jubilee fashion show in1948, her family said, she met and married the love of her life, playwright Thomas W. Phipps, nephew of the original Gibson Girl.
For 54 years they led a glamorous life together, her family said, Mary known for her beauty and elegance and Tommy with his charm and dashing good looks.
In 1978, they moved to Southampton full time. She decided to get her real estate license and worked successfully for many years at the Morley Agency.
She will be missed by those who knew her for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and loyalty to all those she cared about, her wonderful appreciation of the absurd and her penchant for collapsing into hopeless giggles, her family noted.
She was an avid bird watcher, loved her house and her beautiful garden, which she worked in tirelessly creating a magical space year-round.
She is survived by her daughter Sally; her son Lang and his wife Jana; and two grandchildren whom she adored Giovanna and Wilton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her name to The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) & Nature Center in Bridgehampton (sofo.org), or the Carter Burden Network, a program for the aging at, 415 East 73rd St., NYC 10021.
Staff Writer on Nov 5, 2021