Phyllis WEINTRAUB

1930 - 2023

WEINTRAUB, Phyllis Spafford born on January 30, 1930, died at her Treasure Island home on February 26, 2023 at the age of 93 after a long illness. Phyllis grew up in Derry, New Hampshire where she attended Pinkerton Academy graduating in 1947 after which she earned a BS in Home Economics Education at the University of New Hampshire in 1951. As a young adult desiring to see the world, Phyllis accepted a teaching position at Inanda Seminary School, one of the oldest schools for girls in South Africa. There, she taught Zulu school girls for four years, returning to the United States in 1955. Enrolling in Teachers College Columbia University, she earned a masters in Home Economics Education in 1956. After several years as a teacher and extension agent, Phyllis launched a long career as a nutritional consultant until her retirement in the early 1990s. Phyllis met Dr. Arthur Weintraub on a solo weekend trip to Cape Cod and fell in love with the dashing retired army officer. They were married on September 27, 1958. Phyllis and Arthur had two children who they raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The family had joyous times in their summer cottage on Peaks Island, Maine and in their winter retreat in Seminole, Florida. Arthur died in 1994. Through friends, Phyllis met Joseph Mack in 1996 with whom she went on to share decades of romance and adventure. They lived in Treasure Island, Florida and Peaks Island, Maine when they weren't on the road, traveling to many countries and across the United States. They loved feasting at all the new restaurants, enjoying coastal life, and socializing with neighbors. Phyllis loved discussing politics and current events, as well as gardening, knitting, fashion, antiques, and home decorating. She also relished in hosting and entertaining friends and her and Joe's beloved blended family. Phyllis is survived by her children, Karen Weintraub Coston of South Portland, ME married to Larry Legere, and Marc Weintraub of St. Petersburg, FL married to Amy Weintraub, as well as three grandsons, Jason Coston of Cheyenne, WY, Arthur Zen Coston of Murfreesboro, TN, and Arthur Jeremiah Weintraub of Washington, DC, and one granddaughter, Caroline Weintraub, of St. Petersburg, FL. In addition to her husband, Arthur, Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, George R.H. Spafford and Hazel Holmes Spafford and her brothers, Kendall Spafford and Carroll Spafford. A celebration of life will be held in Phyllis' honor on Saturday, March 4, at 12 pm at the community room at Mansions By The Sea, 7600 Bayshore Drive, Treasure Island FL. All loved ones are invited. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis' memory to Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715.