Services are Private
Phyllis A. Stern, age 87, passed away on February 12, 2018 after a brief illness. Phyllis was born February 22, 1930 in Cambridge, Massachusetts (according to her Mother) and grew up in the Boston area. She graduated from LaSalle Junior College and Forsythe Dental School and practiced as a dental hygienist. On a blind date in 1948 she met the love of her life, Joseph A. Stern, whom she wed in 1950.
Phyllis was a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and business owner. Together with her husband they turned their interest in stamp collecting into a business, Specialty Stamps, which continued for many years while they lived in Seattle, Washington; Pasadena, California, and Newport News, Virginia. While in Pasadena, they started The Bionetics Corporation in 1969 where Phyllis served as Assistant Secretary of the company.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Evelyn Swett and by her husband, Joseph. She is survived by her three children Carole Hofmann, Beth Stern, Charles Stern (Lisa); son-in-law Glenn Talbott; seven grandchildren Danielle Hofmann (James Tyson); William Talbott (Rachel), Joanna Merritt (Mike), Benjamin Talbott, Sarah Caylor; Gregory Stern (Katelyn Bridgewater), Sarah Stern (Lotfi Chettouh); four great grandchildren; and numerous cousins.
Phyllis volunteered at Hampton General Hospital and at the numerous synagogues she belonged to during her life. She was especially proud that she was a founding member of Temple Beth Am in Seattle and Congregation Emet v’Or in Yorktown. She was extremely generous, supporting many non-profit organizations. Giving gave her great pleasure.
Phyllis had a great sense of humor, something she inherited from her father; loved sports (especially the Boston Red Sox); gambling (could never pass by a Blackjack table); would have made a great NASCAR driver based upon her “jack rabbit” starts and “lead foot” on the accelerator driving style; was a great speller; loved dogs, crossword puzzles and coffee ice cream.
The family would like to thank Riverside Hospice, Dr. George Kannarkat and staff, and Aubanita Carter for the care, kindness and love they showed Phyllis while under their care.
Weymouth Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Congregation Emet v’Or (CEVO), P.O. Box 8038, Yorktown, VA 23693.