Phyllis loved Boston.  She loved Marshfield, Nahant, Pembroke, P-town.  But most of all she loved her hometown, Winthrop.  It’s much of what she talked about when she was very sick.  It’s much of what she talked about when she wasn’t.  Phyllis hated Los Angeles.  It’s all we argued about since the day I chose (she left it up to me) to move.  I was such a fool (Phyllis’ word was ‘kuni lemel’) not to understand that was the wrongest decision for her.  Every argument, of the thousands we had, can be traced to her unhappiness at leaving her family, friends, and job.  Every argument.  Anyone who knew her, heard, “He took me away from ____.“ (choose one) 

Just before we had Jody, we moved to Agoura, and Phyl met Elaine.  Phyllis loved Agoura.  And Agoura Hills adored Phyllis.  It was mutual for her friends, neighbors, kids’ schools and activities, kids’ friends, dentist, hair and nail salons, stores, charities, doctors, jeweler, markets, dealership, post office,  volunteer groups; all of it.  I am so, so very grateful for her unbelievably remarkable and wonderful friends and neighbors here, not just for getting me somewhat off the hook, but truly for sharing so much of the best in her life, And after always working multiple jobs since she was 15, she really, really enjoyed the first months of retirement with her friends, before the problems cascaded. i know you can’t take the Winthrop out of the girl, and it’s self-serving, but i loved it when she’d say, “I’m a California girl now.” 

So I’m ever grateful for her friends here.  Especially each of those who visited and stayed with her multiple times and many hours in those last months; Beverly, Ann, Elaine, Tammie, Joan, Linda, Sandy, Marilyn, Judy R, Judy S, Ilene, Anita, Drs. Berman and Slomowitz.  They all know how bad things were, but were there for her.  And for her huge memorial, just a consensus phenomenal tribute by the very special Ann and Bob, Joan, Pat, Judy R, and Marilyn.  They’re why she loved Agoura; her incredibly extraordinary and devoted friends.