Phyllis W. Shafron

Phyllis Shafron, (nee Watkins), 97, resident of Deerfield, IL, passed away peacefully in her home August 6, 2024 with family by her side. Phyllis was born August 21, 1926 in Pontiac, Michigan to Charlotte and James Watkins. She grew up in Western Pennsylvania where she met her husband Sam at Derry Township High School. After leaving Pennsylvania, Phyllis and Sam settled in Baltimore, MD and later moved to Deerfield, IL where they remained for 62 years.
Phyllis was an avid believer in education and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Trinity College. She earned her Master of Science in Education from National-Louis University and her Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University. She began her career as a teacher in Deerfield District 109. Upon earning her doctorate, she opened her own business, North Suburban Student Services, assisting students for nearly four decades who experienced learning difficulties.
As a memorial to her late son Devin, Phyllis began The Devin Shafron Memorial Fund which donated new, shelf-ready books to the Chicago Public School Libraries. Following many years and thousands of book donations, she transferred the Fund to the Chicago Community Trust.
Phyllis loved classical music and opera. She played organ as a young adult for church services and taught piano lessons. She attended the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Ravinia Festival for years to hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sam, sons Devin and Damian, and grandson Michael. She is survived by her children Amanda McCurtain (Paul), Dylan Shafron, Andrea Lathan, and daughter-in-law Michelle. Phyllis was the loving grandmother to Brynn Moore (John), Sean McCurtain, Meg McCurtain-Becker (Matt), and Ethan Lathan. She was the cherished great-grandmother to Cael, Cameron, and Devin Moore, Sam and Bennett McCurtain, and Wyatt and Reya Becker. Phyllis was dearly loved by her family and she will be missed by everyone.
A memorial visitation will be held at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL, on August 31, 2024 from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ravinia Festival Tribute Fund.