Sad News to Share...

Dear Phyllis was my sister-in-law for many years. I have had great respect for her intelligence and kindness. She has had an extraordinary life and has been blessed with a wonderful husband, children and grandchildren. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her, especially in these last years and days. I am sure her passing will leave a huge loss to her family, friends and and community. May her memory be a blessing. Brenda Marchand

For many years, Phyllis was my sister in law. I feel fortunate to have known her and always admired her strong will and intelligence. Phyllis has been blessed with a loving husband, children and grandchildren. May her memory be a blessing.

As a newcomer to Princeton, I was delighted to meet Phyllis when I was on the Shade Tree Commission several years ago. But my friendship with Phyllis has been amplified through our mutual love of Elvis, our political views, bridge, and was heightened considerably when she met a young woman I have known since her birth, my best friend’s daughter Maura, in San Francisco,. Phyllis was having dinner with Lindsay, a young woman who Phyllis has known for a long time. Lindsay, who had attended high school with Maura, introduced her to Phyllis, saying Phyllis was from Princeton. Maura immediately jumped in to tell them of the close relationship our families had always enjoyed... and Phyllis told her that she was acquainted with me through the tree commission and bridge! Phyllis never forgets a name or a face and is a stalwart friend to so many. When she returned to Princeton, she called me to tell me of this chance meeting. I have appreciated her friendship and support through the years. Having lived a very peripatetic life for 25 years, 5 years in this country, 2 in another, etc. - it was amazing to have someone open themselves up to a newcomer and make them feel they have a friend. This is the measure of the person Phyllis is! Over the years, through bridge and Elvis Concerts (Fake ones!) and through the ups and down of life in general, Phyllis has always there, ready for fun and with a great point of view on many issues.

I am so sorry to hear this. Phyllis and Sy were good friends of my parents and then of mine after my parents’ deaths. Phyllis and I would share movie and book recommendations and much more when we talked. She is an amazing woman and a role model for all. I will miss her friendship. My heart goes out to Sy, Michael, Deborah and Sarah.

Phyllis and I have known one another since college days at Skidmore. We often reminisced about Happy Pappy weekend with our fathers and all the fun times we shared. We kept in touch over the years by meeting in New York for lunch and a museum visit. I was thrilled that Phyllis and Sy stayed with me when they came to Washington DC for a long weekend. We had a tradition of calling one another on our respective birthdays (Phyllis’ on January 3rd and mine on July 6th) and having a very long phone visit. I loved and admired Phyllis. She will always be with me in my heart.

Phyllis is a ray of sunshine, casting light onto all whom she interacts with. I first met Phyllis at one of my parents' dinner parties - she filled each room with love, laughter and stories of triumph, compassion and humor. A few years ago, when I was a student at Penn, Phyllis reached out to me to see if I was available for coffee while she was in town for one of her treatments. I met her in the upstairs lobby of Penn's Perelman Center where we sat for an hour and a half, and she told me all about her treatment, her family, and took such an altruistic interest in the life of a young graduate student. I couldn't believe her positivity and love of life, despite the circumstances that had brought her to the Perelman Center that day. Additionally, she told me all about how her doctor had made her the new spokesperson for a state-of-the-art treatment, that she was now promoting locally and (I believe) nationally. In my head I thought how serendipitously Phyllis - in her time of sickness and need, she still looked out for the wellbeing of others. A wonderful person in every way. She will be so missed, and she is so so loved.

Hi Phyllis - While I have not known you for a very long time, you have made a very large impact on my life. You have been so supportive of me as I stepped into my role with Mercer Council and have been unwavering in your support of Mercer Council and my colleagues. Whenever I had the chance to see you, mostly at Board Meetings and our holiday party, you were always smiling, warm, genuine, kind, supportive. You always brought a very special energy with you. Your 'being' is a gift. Throughout the entire time I've known you, not only have you been all of these things and more, but you've been fighting battles behind the scenes. Despite your health and likely not feeling great most of the time, you always 'showed up' and it was hard to tell, almost impossible, that you were fighting these battles, because you rarely let them show. I remember a few times you had appointments all the way in Philadelphia to have a procedure and still drove all the way back, likely not feeling up to it, but showing up and supporting us at one of our events and not even skipping a beat. You are the most passionate, dedicated, determined and graceful people I've ever met. I am a better person for having been able to know you and learn from you. I am so happy to have connected with you -- I will keep a little piece of you with me, in my work with Mercer Council and in my life. I am thinking of you and your family as you all navigate this difficult time. Thank you for everything. Love, Jocelyn Cooper

I met Phyllis when she was at our house for a fundraiser for then mayor Liz Lempert. My son, who was probably 12 at the time was playing background music for our guests on the piano. Phyllis not only took the time to compliment his playing but got back to us shortly after with an invitation to join her at McCarter Theatre to see a famous Russian pianist play. She delighted my son, Eli, by getting him a back stage "meet and greet" with the famous pianist. From that day forward, Phyllis, Eli, my husband Matt and i struck up a friendship that continues to this day. Phyllis and i have since worked together with TJC, AJC, HomeFront and whenever we are helping out in the community Phyllis of course is always also there. Phyllis will always have a place in our hearts and we feel extremely lucky to have had such a wonderful relationship with this intelligent, caring, thoughtful woman who fought hard for many important causes in our community.

Hi Aunt Phyllis, I have been thinking a lot about you and all you accomplished. In my mind, you will always be standing in front of my elementary school class in your American flag dress talking about being an elected official and the state of New Jersey. How important it was for me and all my classmates to see such a smart, courageous and charismatic woman in a position of leadership and power. “My aunt is the mayor!” I bragged so many times to friends. Of course I also think about all our talks at family events and Thanksgivings, and the warmth and love of all our family around us. I hope you can feel some of that now. Love you always, Joanna

Phyllis, I have only had a small window of opportunity to to connect with you, all through the Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction and your dedicated service to the Board. You have impressed me as a conscientious and committed leader and a positive spirit - sharing joy and inspiration and contributing to positive change and support for others. I will vividly remember your strength and energy and selfless attitude of service. Blessings, Leanna Fenneberg

Dear Phyllis, your spirit has always been able to outrun us, and, oh, do we enjoy the chase! Your love is unstoppable, and we'll forever love you right back. I will be visiting Marchand Meadow to reflect, and to send positive energy your way! ~~ Nancy

Dear Phyllis, your warm smile and limitless energy is inspiration for us all. Thank you for always taking the time to stop by my desk at the Johnson Education Center to share your travel experiences with me. I will be thinking of you as I walk along the path among the flowers in Greenway Meadows. - Deb

Dearest Phyllis: you are my hero! So strong, positive, caring, thoughtful, capable, energetic, stylish, funny and full of life. Thank you for all of the encouragement after the heart transplant, and for driving us to Penn, a la Thelma and Louise, for our check-ups. You are a beacon of hope for so many people, and yashir koach on making this world a more functional, caring and vibrant place. You knocked it out of the park!!! Love you xo Kim

Dear Phyllis, growing up you were the older cousin to look up to. However, over time the “age gap” closed. While I was in college you helped me get a job at the encyclopedia where you worked and we were together every day, getting to know each other better. After college, I moved to Boston so we saw each other mainly at family affairs but I always loved catching up. When you ran the Boston Marathon you came to my home following your 26 mile run. I admired your perseverance but I was also shocked to see your feet after the race. They were a mess. You have continued to persevere in spite of you’re health issues, another reason to look up to you at this stage of your life. I picture my mother, Aunt Mary, and your mother, wherever they are, sitting together talking about literature, schools, life, etc. My father, Uncle Moe, is in his chair reading his medical journals. It’s much too soon but when the time is right and you are ready, perhaps you will join them all. Sy, Michael, Deborah, Sarah, my thoughts are with you during this heart-wrenching time. Love, Cousin Janie

I met mayor Marchand on my first day of employment in Princeton Township. I was shocked that she was so warm and endearing to the newly hired tree guy in the Public Works Department. Through my journey I had so many wonderful interactions with Madam Mayor Marchand through Township Committee meetings, neighborhood meetings, luncheons, board meetings etc..... (there's too many to mention) she always took time whether briefly or a long conversation to say hello. Her mannerisms. tone, intelligence always shone through and was greatly appreciated by so many. To say I had nothing but love and respect for Phyllis would be an extreme understatement. She was exemplary in demonstrating kindness , toughness and empathy to all and will live forever in our hearts. As your hard fought battle concludes please Phyllis, remember your humanity is what will be remembered and modeled by many. Heaven will have another genuine angel. Greg

To my Partner in Preservation Phyllis, For 20 years, we protected land together, starting with Greenway Meadows and Coventry Farm in 2001. Your joyful spirit will forever be an inspiration. Remember when you came to D&R Greenway’s Masquerade Ball dressed in Forty Shades of Green! Remember when we named Greenway Meadows – you told me “It’s Greenway for D&RG, and it’s Meadow for Mead”. It was our secret; and I was so glad to return the favor and name Marchand Meadow for you last year when you were our Gala star! You saw “your meadow” just after it was seeded last October. This spring it will begin to bloom, as it will do forever more. You told us, “Whenever, I have a bad day, I go outside in nature, and the sun is shining, and I feel better.” Your unique way of putting new words to old music provided lively events where you led all in song. Remember ‘Land, give me land, lots of land…Don’t Fence Me In.’ Thank you for being the best YOU that you could be. Here is a song for you, with meaning. We'll be seeing you In all the D&R Greenway places That you preserved and created Your whole life through Greenway Meadows and Coventry Farm Our Healing Trail exudes your charm Farm View Fields where children play Marchand Meadow across the way We'll be seeing you In Land for Life acres and bees on flowers In trails that we walk for hours All day through We’ll be seeing you In every lovely summer day In every song that’s fun and gay We'll always think of you that way We'll find you In the morning sun And when the night is new We'll be looking at the moon But we'll be seeing you With love, Linda Mead and your D&R Greenway friends

Dear Phyllis, We met at the Community Park kiddie pool almost 50 years ago. I was impressed with you then and I continue to be impressed with you now 50 years later. You are passionate and committed to doing your very best, be it marathon running or running Princeton. Or reading. Or your family. Or remembering names. Or dealing with lymphoma. You’ve always given your all and that is something quite remarkable. Do you remember us sitting in Roz Staras’ living room for some Jewish Center meeting when Roz mentioned she knew an eligible bachelor. You said “ I have a sister who’s single!” In a flash you were on it and as they say the rest is history. Allen wants you to know that he was always impressed with your diligent preparation and insightful contributions as a Planning Board member. The community’s betterment was always your guiding star. Plus we had a little fun along the way We send you and Sy and your family our love. ((And thanks for the ride home on Christmas night!) Rhona and Allen

Tris Johnson was my Very Special, Wonderful Father. Dad and Phyllis knew each other well; they shared many experiences together often shared with me by my father. Personally i know that she was very important to the Princeton Community. Sy has been a special friend and consultant for myself, for Celso de Lemos and Habidecor, a Portuguese bath linens company; I was the VP of US Operations. What a beautiful picture I have of Phyllis and Dad being together again, reminiscing & laughing! Big Gentle Hugs to Phyllis from Dad and myself.

Darling Phyllis, we had so much fun together--whether we were working on a community committee or gathering for a Girls Night Out! You contain vast multitudes and will always be my highest inspiration in all things temporal and spiritual. The memories come flooding back, and I could write volumes. During our times together, I hope that I adequately expressed my deep admiration for who you are and all that you've done in this realm. In numerous public and private instances, you always had the courage to stand up for what was right, kind and compassionate--even if powerful forces disagreed with you. I don't know how we will find your like again. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, dear Mayor.

Phyllis, I met you first as a young local reporter when you were a new mayor in the 1980s. I was supposed to be skeptical and you were supposed to be tricky, but I will admit now how much I admired and loved you then and since then. You always spoke your mind, no matter how difficult it was, and I always found it to be the truth, even over the years we’ve known one another. Hugs to you, my friend, and hugs to your family, especially Sy. Xoxo

My introduction to Phyllis wasn't so long ago, about 20 + years. As a newcomer to town, I would run into Phyllis (and Sy) at many cultural events and we shared many friends in common. I always looked forward to seeing Phyllis and her wonderful smiles, feeling her welcoming hugs, and listening to her humorous stories. We kept meaning to make time for a tête-à-téte, but our busy schedules only allowed us to share in some common times via Viva la Friends. This only whetted my appetite to get together with her some more and now I am disappointed that this did not happen. My thoughts go out to you, valiant Phyllis ,and your dear family. Hugs, Ferris Olin

Greetings, Phyllis, from your Trenton fan club -- Jeff and Yuki Moore Laurenti. We shared a lot of political action over a long time -- at least as far back as Barbara Sigmund's Senate run almost four decades ago, and then regularly during your years leading Princeton's outer ring (the Township, as opposed to its old "doughnut hole" borough) into the future. You have held high the torch of humane and decent public life, and we now see that torch is shining brightly over the nation as a whole. Onward and upward.

My dear Phyllis, from the first time I met you I knew you were special, smart, kind, perseverant and everything that a community wants in a leader. My husband Howard farms in Princeton and over 20 years ago you reached out to ask him to a community meeting to share his well informed views on how the the deer population impacted his ability to farm. The meeting was over flowing with angry people who were all convinced of the truth of their position. You were presiding. You had done your homework and knew every thing there was to know about the over abundance of deer and its impact in our community. You led with humor, strength, and respect for all views, even when the meeting stretched on for hours and hours and one participant kept on calling out frequently and randomly "Birth Control, Birth control for the deer". There were many more meetings, more vitriol and more plain ugliness . But you had carefully developed a plan and your perseverance and skill in eventually getting it implemented made us a better, safer community. That's just one example of the many ways you have impacted us all. Thank you for for being strong, gutsy, warm and funny. Thank you for being wonderful.

I send so very much love and support to Sy, Phyllis and the family. Since I arrived in Princeton almost 31 years ago, Phyllis has been a beacon, a supporter, and a true friend. She is my model for authentic community service and female leadership in all its glory —wise, empathic, joyful, and loving. She is my hero on every level. My heart is with you during this difficult time. Emily Mann

Phyllis: Remember "Fresh Perspectives for Princeton's Future"? I certainly will never forget. We little knew at the time how that was the beginning of a political career that would change the history of Princeton. I am so grateful that after all our years in politics together, sometimes even on opposite sides, our friendship has endured. Mary joins me in sending our love. Walter Bliss