Phyllis Zakim

Phyllis Zakim

Phyllis Zakim, 88, longtime resident of the Paterson/Wayne area, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 29, from complications from COVID, at Montefiore Hospital in Nyack NY.

She is survived by her children, Stuart Zakim, Elayna and David Kirschtel, Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan; grandchildren Josh and Grace Zakim, Deena Zakim and Jesse Chebot, Shari and Phillip Zakim-Yacouby, Andrew and Joanna Zakim, Alex Zakim, Aaron and Michal Kirschtel, Jason Kirschtel and Naomi Kirschtel and great grandchildren Lev, Leo and Lyla. She is pre-deceased by her husband of 68 years, Gerald, who passed away in January, her son Lenny and grandson Jonathan.

Phyllis was a unique individual and years ahead of her time. As a parent, grandparent and great grandparent and Aunt, she was a role model to not only her family, but to the community. She was very active at Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne through the Sisterhood and Building committee and was one of the first group of adults to be a Bat Mitzvah. She belonged to all of the major Jewish organizations.

Born and raised in Paterson, she attended Montclair State University, but her drive to learn never ended as she took courses in elder care at Ramapo College while she was in her 60's. She was a lover of the arts. Musicals were her favorite form of Broadway shows as well as movies. And to say nothing of Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand and Tony Bennett.

Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be private. Also, there will be no in person Shiva. For information about Zoom log in email Stu Zakim at stuz1204@gmail.com

The family asks people who are interested to make donations in her memory to The Lenny Zakim Fund, c/o DLA Piper, 33 Arch Street, 23rd Floor, Boston MA. 02110. Arrangements by Louis Suburban Chapel, Fair Lawn, NJ.