This is a letter that I
hoped not to send but think Phyllis would have liked. She was always doing
more for others and she did not like people calling attention to her.
Phyllis was a private person about herself but she knew everything about all
the people she knew. She had this magic trick of absolutely fading into the
background at our events until she wanted to be seen and heard. Those of us
who knew her know how impossible that would seem.
When we were
interviewing her replacement we were concerned that no one could replace
her. She had a sense of humor and the ability to make people comfortable.
With Stan always by her side, a board meeting became a family event with
delicious food.
I worked with Phyllis
from her first day so I will share my stories. My husband, Nowell Wisch will
locate pictures and send them separately to you.
Phyllis stories are
bountiful but I will always remember her great faith and pride in her
chapter members. After Phyllis had resigned, I was in the middle of
resolving some sticky issues about my upcoming Mission. Not wanting to
bother Phyllis I forged ahead on my own with mixed results. Phyllis called
me and scolded me for not coming to her for help. Of course within 24 hours
all was resolved. Her help was greatly appreciated and became even more
endearing because, while she would be so watchful of our problems, I had no
idea what she was going through.
I wanted so much to help
her through these hard months and a family member would always underplay
what was going on and graciously say that they didn't need anything.
So, even in the end, she left a gift. Our memory will always be of the
vital, clever, glamorous and gracious lady who loved shopping for clothes
and always had a ready smile. She had the gift of making you feel special
when you were with her. She will be missed.