(If you prefer, you can e-mail them to her daughter Rebecca at rebschatz@gmail.com)
Thank you!
from Susan Hawkins: (Phyllis' daughter) on June 26, 2013
My mom passed away this morning. I miss her already. She was one of the most positive people I know. She always saw the glass as full to the brim. She was my staunchest supporter always making me feel good about what I was doing. There is no one in the world who loves you like that. I toast all mothers today and all the love and support they give, it colors and brightens the world and makes life fuller and more comforting. Thank you to everyone who made her smile and filled her life with joy. We will have a memorial service for her this Sunday from 2-4:30 at Bayou Manor in Houston, TX
from Robert Rosen: (nephew) and Rita Rosen (sister in law) on June 26, 2013
Mom (Rita) recounted the first time she met your mom. Joe brought her to the house and she was knocked off her feet by her beauty, that she used makeup so perfectly, and was so friendly. The other story she had was that Joe was surprised when he found out that Phyllis was just a few weeks younger then Rita after dating for a while. She said that Joe met her through BBG, bnai brith girls. Rita said your Dad said that stood for big baggy girls.. I guess until he met your mom. Our sympathies and love to you all.
from Gail Kutin (friend from Kol Halev) posted this photo and comment on Facebook:
Phyllis Schatz dressed to go to the theatre, one of her great pleasures in life. Phyllis passed away this morning after a long illness. She was a woman of style and grace, loved by her many friends but most importantly, she was a gift to all those she touched. I feel blessed to have had her in my life. May her memory be for a blessing.
from Zoë Poeppel 8-30-2013
I was one of Abe’s work colleagues in Houston at the time he met a very special lady .. as I remember Abe had been to a storytelling evening .. and there she was .. centre stage. In the office Abe’s eyes lit up whenever he talked about his beautiful lady. Not long after, I met Phyllis for the first time .. and, like Abe, I too was knocked off my feet. She was, as he had described, all things wise and wonderful, both inside and out. Exquisitely elegant, twinkly eyes, magnificent smile, endless knowledge, gentle spirit, loving heart, gracious ways .. a precious lady.
I have so many happy memories of time spent with Abe & Phyllis in Houston .. particularly when Alex was born .. the same month as Serena. We loved to catch up with them in their apartment .. Abe with his metalwork .. and Phyllis talking lovingly about the adventure just gone .. and the next one on the calendar .. oh, the places they visited!
Since moving back to the UK in 2002, I have had a photo of Abe & Phyllis on a pinboard in my home office. Phyllis in a jet black tunic with a blazing bright orange design on the front .. and Abe in his denim dungarees. Arms around each other .. huge smiles. It captures perfectly their personalities and their love for each other. I feel like they are in the room with me. On one of their Elderhostel international adventures, Abe & Phyllis came to study and enjoy the London theatres .. and they took time away to visit with us in Bristol and Bath.
I have kept every letter Phyllis wrote .. and we would often talk on the phone. Whenever she heard my voice on the line from the UK, she always responded with such warmth. She followed Alex’s progress through school, remembered special things about him and gave me wonderful and expert advice. She always sounded so upbeat, even when medically she’d been through the mill. She would praise the doctors and facilities, played down whatever ailment was the problem, and always sounded optimistic about the outcome. Even when her mobility was restricted, she would talk positively about the things she could do, rather than linger on those she couldn’t. I tried to picture her new apartment, which she enthused about .. she always looked forward to the theatre .. time with family and friends .. her activities at the Jewish Centre .. she often said she felt very blessed.
Reading through the tributes, it’s easy to see how blessed we all felt to have shared time in our lives with Phyllis. If she could read our words, she would smile one of those cracking big smiles which lit up her face.
Bless you, Phyllis .. and thank you for everything. I will carry you with me in my heart always.
- Zoë Poeppel
from Bob Langnas (nephew) 11-12-2013
Thao and I, and Robin and David are saddened by the passing of this remarkable lady who we all loved. Aunt Phyllis was warm, intelligent, gentle, and support. I have no specific story to tell; as I think of Phyllis a flood of images and moments come to mind. But most prominent is the recollection of the sound of her soothing voice, with its slow, reassuring cadence -- and the laugh that maintained that same space. I (we) in the Midwest and on the East Coast will miss her greatly. We send out heartfelt condolences most especially to cousins Bruce, Rebecca, Steven and Susan.
Thank you all for these wonderful remembrances and shared love.
My Aunt Phyllis was a wonderful woman. Not only was she adventurous, funny, sweet and kind, but she had a great sense of humor. She wasn't laughing so much, though, the first time she met my dad, her future brother in law. My dad used to work late at night and every night when he came home, he would go into my aunt's room and tuck her in. Well, no one told him that my Uncle Joe had brought his girlfriend to visit and she was staying in my aunt's room. So, as was his habit, he went into my aunt's room without turning on the light and proceeded to tuck a terrified Phyllis into bed. I think he was just as shocked the next morning when he found out that he tucked in the wrong girl. That was the start of a long and wonderful relationship with the sister-in-law who was more like a sister.
ReplyDeleteLast time I went down to visit, I brought wonderful chocolates. The sheer joy of eating them.. I see her rolling it around in her mouth while delight played across her face, then smacking her lips.
ReplyDeleteShe did love a wonderful taste... and to share it…she got almost as much pleasure when she shared it with you.
In a family of less than spicy eaters, Mom and I would make eggs with hot sauce and cheese and chili - our special shared delight. Every time I’d visit, we’d go for Mexican food. It was nearly a joke.. how are you? What did you eat?
I’m sorry you never got to visit here, Mom. There’s a great French restaurant and you would have been in heaven…is there a quip begging to be let out there?
Last time Aunt Phyllis and Abe visited DC; they came for dinner. I still remember her enjoyment of the meal, the company as she joked that she was strong like a Russian peasant.
ReplyDeleteRest In Peace My wonderful Aunt. I can remember how special you made me feel on your Florida trips with your listening, encouragement and interest in whatever silly stories I had to share. The full circle of you attending our wedding in 1988, and then honoring us all by coming to our son's wedding in 2012 was magnificent as was your toast to their love and life. You leave a full and loving legacy.
ReplyDeleteLove, Robert and Julie
I always believed that my Mom was related to Santa Claus. She was "jolly Saint Phyllis”, with a smile for everyone encountered and a joy for everyday living. She called me every week by phone, not just after I left home at 20, but each step along the way, even now when I have my own home at 60 with my own child. It took me a long time to understand, that I was not singled out, as her first-born only, for this treatment. Each child and each friend got their weekly calls. Each person she met was fussed over, with full treatment of “who have you met” and “what have you done”. She never missed a birthday or a ceremony, even while juggling hundreds of people, with no support from other technologies. She knew what each person liked, and tried to give it to them as fully as possible. Just like Santa Claus managed to judge the goodness of every child in the world and visit all the good ones in a single night, Mom managed to find the goodness in every person and stay in touch with each one. Fortunately, for all of us, Mom was a genuine person not a mythical being, and will live indefinitely within each of us. When I praise someone in passing, or send thank yous for help received, my internal Mom-engine is doing its work. Thank you, dear Mother for what you have given me, you will live on to make the world a happier place. Your loving son Bruce
ReplyDeleteAunt Phyllis' zest for life, her optimistic and loving nature, and always-smiling countenance is something that made her life a joyful journey. She will always remain in everyone's memory with love and a smile. What a blessing she is -- and will always be, as she lives on in each of us.
ReplyDeleteWith much love, Renee
Judeo-Christian tradition might say, "These things, too, shall pass." Taoist-Buddhist tradition might say, "We are only waves in the ocean of other minds." My poor speech would say, "Thank you, Mom, for all you have given, you live on in me."
ReplyDelete"As first-born, I was enveloped in my mother's love. She called me or wrote me every week, from when I left home until just before she passed. She always remembered what was precious to me, a supportive word, a special event. I am told that I am often kind to someone when not required, or give thanks when none is expected. This is not my doing, but her speaking through me. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me how to love others. Your grateful son, Bruce"
I have only known one part of Phyllis' family, but judging by those close to her, clearly she has passed on her love of life, passions, and interest and concern for others to many many people. It is wonderful to see the ripple effect of a life well-lived. Although she will be missed, the word celebration is so appropriate. Best to my good friend Rebecca and the whole gang of Phyllis.
ReplyDeleteKathy Kahn, Minnesota
Ron loves to sing a Bob Dylan song called "Forever Young." As he sang it this morning, it occurred to me that the words in this song describe Phyllis so beautifully:
ReplyDeleteMay God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
I will always remember my beautiful Aunt Phyllis as Forever Young!
Renee
Dear ones,
ReplyDeleteToday is the first anniversary of my mother's death. She loved the word "cherished" and she was indeed cherished, from her first days to her last.
As I remember her, I am so very grateful to all her dear friends in Houston who took such tender care of her after her last stroke, being there with her and for her, telling stories, fixing up her hair. Someone brought a CD player too, and many people brought CDs so she was surrounded by big band music and other favorites throughout.
One of those long last days I fell asleep holding her hand, and dreamed of her well and carefree, with that radiant smile, dancing and twirling in a colorful circle skirt. I woke up to wonderful music; when I looked over at my mom she was sleeping lightly, with a peaceful, lovely smile. It did seem like we were sharing the same dream.
Her ashes are buried in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. A string of beautiful lakes is just outside the cemetery, and you can hear people laughing and playing on the beach. My mom's grave is on a sunny hill (she so loved the sky) with stately trees nearby, and a fragrant rose garden. And just over the hill is the Lake Harriet bandstand, where they play big band music and dance on summer nights.
Thank you all so very for surrounding Phyllis with love and making her life sweet.
May her memory be as a blessing to us all.
-Rebecca
Bless you, Phyllis .. oh, and how 'cherished' is a perfect fit for you. I will always hold an imaginary visual in my head of you smiling as you pass on from this world. Always always looking on the bright side. Your memory .. (together with Abe) .. is indeed a blessing to us all.
ReplyDelete