Phyllis D. ZLOTNICK

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Portland High School

Phyllis ZLOTNICK Obituary

ZLOTNICK, Phyllis D.
Phyllis D. Zlotnick, pioneering disability advocate, noted wit, and caring friend passed away peacefully in Hospice care at her home in South Windsor on October 14. She was 69 years old. Daughter of the late Sidney and Marion (Sack) Zlotnick, Phyllis grew up in Hartford and Portland, graduating from Portland High School. After attending college in CA, she worked for Connecticut Easter Seals as a legislative liaison, and, then for former Speaker of the House, Ernie Abbate. Later Phyllis operated her own one-person business, tracking and analyzing legislative proposals for disability organizations. Over a career spanning nearly 40 years, she became widely known as an influential lobbyist on matters related to accessibility, human service programs and disability rights. A former member of the National Council on Disability, Phyllis was respected for her integrity, vigilance, and the skill with which she pressed the case for equal access and simple fairness in public policy, and for the grace, humor and a formidable intellect she brought to the task of opening doors and minds. Through it all she mentored, counseled and supported many others - not only those engaged in disability advocacy, but also neighbors, friends and fellow passengers on space ship Earth. Phyllis is survived by her niece, Sandra Rosenberg of San Diego, CA. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Seymour (Sigh) and his wife Arlene. Sadly, her sister, Beverly Franklin, also recently died.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Phyllis' life will be held at 1 p.m. on November 13, 2011, at Brooker Hall, Gaylord Hospital in Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Freedom Fund c/o the Conn. Association of Centers for Independent Living, 151 New Park Ave., Suite 106, Hartford, CT 06106, or to Arc Connecticut, 43 Woodland St., Suite 260, Hartford, CT 06105.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Nov. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis ZLOTNICK

7 Entries

Gerald(Jerry) Esposito

November 7, 2011

I'm sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing,i had not heard from her since jr high and when she retired she found me on the computer and paid me a complement that i cherish and will always remember about being her friend in school. RIP Phyllis

Merrill Eisenberg

November 7, 2011

Phyllis mentored me starting in the early 1980s when I was hired to create an advocy network yet knew little about disability policies or lives. We worked on the constitutional amendment for disability rights, we created a pac to support candidates for state office, and we worked on PCA issues for many years. She taught me so much, not only about policy but about people and humor and grace. These lessons serve me well to this very day. We visited last summer and talked at length about the good old days, and I am so grateful to have had one last chance to be in her presence, to feel her spirit, and to laugh with her one last time. I know she is rabble rousing somewhere up there as yer spirit has always been feisty!

Robin Lamb Seabury

November 6, 2011

I worked with Phyllis in the late 70's at The Easter Seal Society of CT in Hebron. Phyllis was instrumental in making me aware of what challenges persons with disabilities encounter day to day. I watched her with "awe" in her determination to make strides in these areas for Connecticut persons with disabilities. And, did she!! Rest in Peace, Phyllis.

Paddi LeShane

November 5, 2011

Phyllis was such a great mentor - I worked for and with her at The CT State Easter Seal Society. She taught and guided me thru the dos and donts of lobbying. She liked to think she was an advocate but she was the original lobbyist for persons with disabilities - she guided me as we expanded and improved the state law requiring parking for persons with disabilities - she encouraged me to create a coalition to pass a constitutional amendment securing rights in ct for persons with disabilities before the ADA laws were passed in DC.

Her friend and boss John Doyle mentored her in the ways of how governemnt worked - she mentored me and insipred a new movement in the late 70s to ensure that anyone regardless of a challenge can fully participate in the fabric of our state and country.

Peg from the ARC and Phyllis were fearless and effective in changing the way CT embraced people with challenges and those that supported them.

Funny, driven, challenged and a spirt of independence she taught me to make each and every moment count. Everyone in CT owes a great deal of debt to her. Thank you and God Speed.

Maria Woodford

November 5, 2011

A recent true friend and a real inspiration.
You are already missed but forever with us.

Selma Andelman

November 4, 2011

Sympathy to all of Phillis' friends and family. I had the privaledge of working with Phillis at Easter Seals for seven years. We got to know each other and I marveled at her many talents. Independent and funny and always with a smile,she brightened the day for many of us.
Over the years we lost touch but I never forgot her.
The world is a better place because of her efforts . Rest well my friend.
.

Linda Rammler

November 4, 2011

Phyllis was one of a handful of women I've always wanted to be like when I grow up. For many years, she mentored me and my ilk, keeping us posted on "things we must know about" (she was never wrong), "actions we should do" (also never wrong), and "ideas we must think about" (which made her the cutting-edge leader she was). Whenever Phyllis gave a personal stamp of approval to my tilting at a particular windmill, it meant so much to me that I pressed on harder and eventually the windmill crumbled. The disability rights community in Connecticut has lost a grand priestess and I am humbled and honored that I knew her. Carry on, Phyllis! Just in case it's not already, make the great beyond accessible and equitable and continue to guide us here on earth as we work toward social justice and inclusion for all! I have no doubt you will. I love and admire you always.

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