Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I knew Phyllis mostly when we were both volunteer moms during the years our young kids were classmates in the SUSD. I remember her with a smile on her face, a gentle, friendly, generous, involved person. Later I followed her career as a poet. I only recently heard from another neighbor that she was so ill. I am so sad to hear of her passing, and send condolences to Jerry and the family. Sue Kelly
Phyllis' and Jerry's daughters were students in the Sebastopol Union School District while I taught on the staff at Park Side School. Phyllis was always generous with her time; her peaceful generosity of spirit, a kind word, an independent thought, or her humble passion for the written word--which will be a fond memory forever. Warm thoughts for Jerry and Family...
I met Phyllis when she and Jerry enrolled their eldest daughter, and later their youngest in my class at Pine Crest School in the SUSD (Sebastopol Union School District) back in 1992. Both of them were outstanding supporters of our unique Open Alternative Classroom; Jerry as a facilitator of lively parent meetings and Phyllis as a contributor to the classroom. Not only did she turn early writers into poets in our 3rd - 5th grade classroom, but also created and introduced a new Learning Spanish curriculum! This had two purposes: to inspire pride in our spanish speaking students and to provide the basics to our english speakers. Phyllis exemplified a purity of purpose, which seems to me to have been kindness and respect toward everyone. It was combined with a political and social conscience which inspired her to build that foundation in children. As she honored the poems that students wrote by having them read them aloud in an atmosphere of mutual wonder, creativity and acceptance for all, the children who were afraid and hesitant, stood up and read their poems with pride, inspiring the others to do the same. It was magical and empowering. Thank you Phyllis for your selfless contribution to our mutual future. May you rest in peace. Love and affection to Jerry, Robin, and Audrey.
Thank you for this thoughtful remembrance of my Phyllie.
I’m grateful that I was introduced to her by a mutual friend on my return to Sonoma County in 2009. We found we had many things in common from weekly walks at Ragle Ranch to drama production at Napa State Hospital. I felt gifted that she asked me to do warm-ups and prompting at several yearly Poetry Out Loud competitions.
She encouraged me to share her dedication to political activism but never judged if I demurred.
When I moved to Australia she kept touch with emails & video chats.
She walked her talk.
Much credit also must be noted to her loving and devoted husband, Jerry & loving daughters.
Phyllis' light lives in all our hearts. Among many other contributions, she was a fierce advocate for youth poetry, and inspired many. Because of her, and Jackie Hallerberg's guidance as a California Poet in the School, our granddaughter got read her poetry at the Petaluma Poetry Walk many years ago. It made a listing impression. May dear Phyllis finally be at peace, with no moro suffering.
Thank. you for posting this article. I didn't know that Phyllis had died but I do know now that the world has lost a wonderful light. I knew Phyllis from her work with SUSD students. Our children were also about the same age and we knew each other through various parent activities. I was always impressed with Phylliss' warmth and graciousness. Her smile was genuine and real. Kids knew that too. The community was so lucky to have had her presence for those many years.
I was especially moved by her poem "Computer Mouse of Enlightenment." We both were members of Poets of the Vineyards in 2021, when she shared it with the group. I expected from the title that it would be whimsical, but instead was surprised by its depth and passion. It was the covid lockdwn period, and it was a rare gift to be receiving such remarkable work in my inbox, from Phyllis and all the other POV members.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute. I knew Phyllis mostly when we were both volunteer moms during the years our young kids were classmates in the SUSD. I remember her with a smile on her face, a gentle, friendly, generous, involved person. Later I followed her career as a poet. I only recently heard from another neighbor that she was so ill. I am so sad to hear of her passing, and send condolences to Jerry and the family. Sue Kelly
Phyllis' and Jerry's daughters were students in the Sebastopol Union School District while I taught on the staff at Park Side School. Phyllis was always generous with her time; her peaceful generosity of spirit, a kind word, an independent thought, or her humble passion for the written word--which will be a fond memory forever. Warm thoughts for Jerry and Family...
Thank you for loving memories of a Phyllis, a person who lived a life worth living. Her poetry shines.
I met Phyllis when she and Jerry enrolled their eldest daughter, and later their youngest in my class at Pine Crest School in the SUSD (Sebastopol Union School District) back in 1992. Both of them were outstanding supporters of our unique Open Alternative Classroom; Jerry as a facilitator of lively parent meetings and Phyllis as a contributor to the classroom. Not only did she turn early writers into poets in our 3rd - 5th grade classroom, but also created and introduced a new Learning Spanish curriculum! This had two purposes: to inspire pride in our spanish speaking students and to provide the basics to our english speakers. Phyllis exemplified a purity of purpose, which seems to me to have been kindness and respect toward everyone. It was combined with a political and social conscience which inspired her to build that foundation in children. As she honored the poems that students wrote by having them read them aloud in an atmosphere of mutual wonder, creativity and acceptance for all, the children who were afraid and hesitant, stood up and read their poems with pride, inspiring the others to do the same. It was magical and empowering. Thank you Phyllis for your selfless contribution to our mutual future. May you rest in peace. Love and affection to Jerry, Robin, and Audrey.
Thank you for this thoughtful remembrance of my Phyllie.
I’m grateful that I was introduced to her by a mutual friend on my return to Sonoma County in 2009. We found we had many things in common from weekly walks at Ragle Ranch to drama production at Napa State Hospital. I felt gifted that she asked me to do warm-ups and prompting at several yearly Poetry Out Loud competitions.
She encouraged me to share her dedication to political activism but never judged if I demurred.
When I moved to Australia she kept touch with emails & video chats.
She walked her talk.
Much credit also must be noted to her loving and devoted husband, Jerry & loving daughters.
I’ll miss my dear and very talented friend.
Lanettey❤️
Phyllis' light lives in all our hearts. Among many other contributions, she was a fierce advocate for youth poetry, and inspired many. Because of her, and Jackie Hallerberg's guidance as a California Poet in the School, our granddaughter got read her poetry at the Petaluma Poetry Walk many years ago. It made a listing impression. May dear Phyllis finally be at peace, with no moro suffering.
Thank. you for posting this article. I didn't know that Phyllis had died but I do know now that the world has lost a wonderful light. I knew Phyllis from her work with SUSD students. Our children were also about the same age and we knew each other through various parent activities. I was always impressed with Phylliss' warmth and graciousness. Her smile was genuine and real. Kids knew that too. The community was so lucky to have had her presence for those many years.
I was especially moved by her poem "Computer Mouse of Enlightenment." We both were members of Poets of the Vineyards in 2021, when she shared it with the group. I expected from the title that it would be whimsical, but instead was surprised by its depth and passion. It was the covid lockdwn period, and it was a rare gift to be receiving such remarkable work in my inbox, from Phyllis and all the other POV members.