Phyllis Krechevsky

Phyllis Joan Krechevsky, 95, a longtime resident of West Hartford, died peacefully at home on March 5, 2026, with her loving family and caretakers by her side. Born on April 4, 1930, Phyllis was the only child of Reuben and Sylvia Swirin, of New York City. Phyllis grew up in New York City, and moved to West Hartford after marrying Robert L. Krechevsky in 1955. Phyllis was a ballet and modern dancer, a movement therapist, and Assistant Director of the Connecticut Center for the Performing Arts. She also worked alongside her mentor, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen at the Body-Mind Centering Institute in Northampton, MA. She was a member of Congregation Beth Israel for over 60 years. Phyllis was extraordinarily compassionate and interested in other people’s lives, whether friend or stranger. Her capacity for caring about others was boundless.

Phyllis leaves three children: Curtis of Westborough, MA; Mara Krechevsky and her husband, Steven Lipsitt, of Brookline, MA; and Hallie Krechevsky and her husband, Bernie Gant, of Chestnut Hill, MA. She was predeceased by her husband Bob (2008) and daughter Kira (1983). Phyllis also leaves five cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Ben, Anna, Daria, and Caleb; seven nieces and nephews; and her loving caregivers, Jennifer Hohn, Evadney Henry, Shelly Hernandez, and Sophia Beverly.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 12:00 pm, in the chapel at Temple Beth Israel in West Hartford, followed by internment at Fairview Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects afterwards at 22 High Wood Road, West Hartford, from 2:30-7pm. The family will also sit shiva at 26 Davis Ave. Brookline, MA, from 4pm-8pm Wednesday and Thursday, March 11 and 12. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Phyllis’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Body-Mind Centering Association, or another charity of your choice.