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BORN
1943
DIED
2020
PHYLLIS FURDELL Obituary
Phyllis Ann FUrdell (neé Burke)
Of Falls Church, VA, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at age 77. She was born in 1943 to Leonard and Dorothy (Meely) Burke, Erie PA.Phyllis worked in the field of urban policy and employment and training. She co-authored a book that was widely distributed on how city governments could innovatively address unemployment issues. Phyllis was also a talented and passionate pastel artist whose paintings reflected her love of cities and her background in urban issues. Her 2004 one-person show at the Target Gallery in Alexandria, VA- Metroscapes, depicted scenes on Washington, DC's subway system and drew comparisons to the social realism of artist Edward Hopper. The show received wide-spread recognition and numerous awards. In addition, Phyllis completed many stunning commissioned portraits of both adults and children. Her work hangs in public and private collections in the US and abroad.Phyllis loved Siamese cats and adored her long time companions Merlin and Artemis, and later, Tim, Mischa and Clio. In addition to her son, Philip, of Charleston, WV, she is survived by her brother, Charles Burke, Erie, PA; cousin, Lana Eckimoff, Alexandria, VA; and many treasured friends. A memorial for Phyllis will be planned at a later time. Phyllis will be greatly missed by all who knew her.Arrangements are being handled by Direct Cremation Services of Virginia.
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Memories and Condolences
for PHYLLIS FURDELL
4 Entries
Ketih Thurston
April 11, 2023
Phyllis was an amazing person with a sharp mind and wit - and such a talent for art. She was active in the Falls Church Arts community and Gallery - where we met and talked often. She will be dearly missed.
Colleen McGraw
January 4, 2022
I worked as an assistant to Phyllis for a few years on NLC's Urban Poverty, Economic Development and Cities Project in the early to mid-90s. Those were key years in my professional journey, and I'm sad to learn of her passing.
Andrea Hornett
August 14, 2021
Peace. At last. An amazing talent and zestful spirit. Thanks for sharing the journey. (PS I still have that blouse you're wearing in Larry's picture.)
Larry Golfer
January 9, 2021
I was terribly shocked and saddened by Phyllis' passing. You see, I was her partner and husband from 1981-2007. After we split up in 2007, we slowly became friends that lasted until her passing. I often looked out for her and helped her with house-related issues and technical issues as she was often perplexed by new technologies involving her computer, printer, phone and TV. But technology aside, Phyllis was also a true intellectual and an avid reader, voraciously consuming books and actively participating in book groups and philosophy, economics, literature, art and cinema studies at the Osher Lifelong Learning Center at George Mason University. Her art talents were of the highest caliber, and I photographed many subjects for her portrait commissions. We spent many wonderful moments together, traveling both domestically and internationally, enjoying theatre, opera, music and movies together. We even performed in a readers' theater group together for a number of years. She leaves an emptiness in my life and that of her closest friends. She will be missed.
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