Phyllis Friedman Rosen

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for her life and gifts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Friedman Rosen, 91, on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 30, 1933 to the late George and Gertrude Friedman. Predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Stanford “Shep”: Rosen, she will rest for eternity at his side. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Phyllis graduated from Hunter College in New York City, with an undergrad degree and then from Brooklyn College with a Masters Degree in Speech and Audiology. She was among the first women to work in her field. She worked as an audiologist for Dayton Children's Hospital for many years and continued to work in private ENT practices until she retired at 80. While in college, her brother introduced her to and then she later married the love of her life, Shep, and started her family. Later, for business reasons and following her parents, Phyllis and Shep relocated to Dayton, Ohio, where they raised their children and became fixtures in the local Beth Abraham Synagogue community. Phyllis and Shep enjoyed matrimonial bliss for over 50 years until Shep passed in 2018. Phyllis continued to reside in Dayton, Ohio following the loss of Shep, until she was diagnosed with cancer, again. This time was different as she was advised by her doctors that she had 6 months to live. Phyllis then moved to Houston, Texas to reside with, and have the support of Lori and Stephan Rubin. Those doctors were wrong; despite the odds. Phyllis’ boundless and intense love of life and people allowed her to not just live, but thrive, for more than 3 years following that seemingly fateful diagnosis. Phyllis’ warm and infectious smile and demeanor, brought her many new friends and opportunities in Houston, Texas that greatly enriched and extended her life. For example, Phyllis, together with her newly acquired best friend, Lori Jacobs, taught Mah Jong and Canasta to hundreds of students at the local Jewish Community Center. She thoroughly, and without reservation, enjoyed theater, dining out, and parties. As she put it, she was :...living her best life.” Phyllis’ indominable and seemingly undefeatable will to live enabled her to survive numerous health challenges during her lifetime including 7 cancers, until she was confronted with the most recent re-emergence of 3 new cancers. The family is grateful for the love and contributions by Phyllis’ caregivers at Seven Acres and Focused Care Westwood in Houston, Texas, as well as those caregivers who were there for her in Dayton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Hadassah (www.hadassah.org/donate), or Beth Abraham Synagogue (https://www.bethabrahamdayton.org/giving/make-a-donation), or to the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC’s Senior Mitzvah Fund (https://www.erjcchouston.org/donations-giving/)

Phyllis Friedman Rosen

March 30, 1933 - January 13, 2025