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Phyllis Gurwitz Obituary

Phyllis Gurwitz, 80 of West Hurley, NY, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at her home in West Hurley, NY surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 7, 1943 in the Bronx, and was the daughter of the late Sam Barban and Minnie Magsitza. She graduated from Walton High School in the Bronx. She then went on to graduate from City College with a Teaching Degree. She also received a Master's Degree in Special Education from SUNY New Paltz. She worked for 30 years as a caseworker for Ulster County Child Protective Services before she retired in 2018. After retiring she remained in the area. Phyllis was married on July 11, 1965 to David Gurwitz at Leonard's out on Long Island, NY. They celebrated 56 years of marriage before David passed away in 2021. Phyllis pursued a variety of interests including knitting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Those who knew Phyllis knew her as a wonderful mother and grandmother as well as a caring friend. Phyllis is survived by a daughter, Deborah Schachter of Hurley, a son Daniel 'Baruch' Gurwitz and his wife, Jill Pelavin of Boston, MA. Two grandsons, Sam and Eli Schachter and close family friend, Brandi Williams. Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401, where family and friends may visit on Friday May 5th, 2023 from 10 am to 11 am. The funeral service will take place at 11 am. A tribute for Phyllis may be found at the link below where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions in Phyllis's memory may be made to Family of Woodstock at familyofwoodstockinc.org or The Friends of the West Hurley Public Library at https://westhurleylibrary.org. www.KeyserFuneralService.com

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

Published by the Daily Freeman from May 3 to May 4, 2023.

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Sheila Parker

April 25, 2024

I find that I am missing Phyllis more and more as the anniversary of her passing grows near. I wish I could call her and have a nice long chat or go to lunch with her again. Phyllis' pleasant upbeat personality will be missed for a very long time to come.

Michelle McElroy

May 6, 2023

Although we only knew Phyllis a short while (as new neighbors) we so enjoyed our conversations with her, and were looking forward to spending more time in her company --- please accept our heartfelt condolences! Bob Waldner and Michelle McElroy

Gina Kiniry

May 5, 2023

I worked with Phyllis for many years when she was a caseworker at DSS and I was a social worker at SCS. Phyllis was so very empathetic, patient and extremely helpful. What impressed me most was her positive attitude even during some stressful situations.
Phyllis was a true advocate for children and families.
My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Gina Kiniry

Sheila Umhey Parker

May 4, 2023

I'm going to miss Phyllis so very much. We worked together at Children's Preventive and Protective Services for twenty years and had lunch together almost every day. She was a good natured and compassionate person. My sincere condolences to Deborah and Daniel and their families. Your mother/grandmother will be well remembered. With much love, Sheila Umhey Parker

joanne nichols

May 4, 2023

I worked in the Daycare Unit at DSS and will always remember Phyllis as a kind, caring and compassionate woman who always had a smile to share with whomever she passed in the halls of DSS. My deepest sympathies to her family. May she rest in Gods peace, amen

CORAZA FAMILY

May 4, 2023

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of our neighbor and friend for so many years. Hearts and prayers to you and your family.
Janet, Lynn, Patti and Susan. xoxo

Amy (Scheu) Bujak

May 3, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful Mom, I had several interactions with her while working at Golden Hill when your father was there. She remembered me as well from our childhood days in West Hurley and always said hello in passing.

Harriet Yaun

May 3, 2023

Phyllis and I shared 52 Years of special NIssen Lane memories of our children,parents and friends. She was not only my closest neighbor but a dear friend. May God bless her and comfort Deborah, Daniel, her grandsons and all who will miss her as Cliff and I will.
Harriet Yaun

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Memorial Events
for Phyllis Gurwitz

May

5

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. - Kingston

326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

May

5

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. - Kingston

326 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

Funeral services provided by:

Keyser Carr Simpson Hammerl Funeral & Cremation Service - Kingston

326 Albany Ave, Kingston, NY 12401

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