Phyllis Reich

Phyllis Ann Reich (Blotner) was born on February 14, 1934 to Laura Blotner (Goldbaum) and Maxwell Blotner. She grew up in Hillside, NJ as the younger sister to Sara Wasserson Billet (Blotner). Phyllis attended Indiana University and NYU; graduating from NYU in 1955 with a degree in Teaching. She married Jerome (Jerry) Reich in August of 1955. Phyllis and Jerry enjoyed a very happy 64 year marriage. They had 3 children: Jill (Reich) Zimmer (Richard), Ronald Reich (Pam), and Joan (Reich) Harrison (Craig). Phyllis adored her 7 grandchildren: Hayden (Brittany), Julia (Donovan), Allison (Joshua), Kyle, Scott (Sofia), Cassidy, and Jamie (Caleb). She was thrilled to become a great grandmother 19 months ago to Theodore. Phyllis was very close and considered like a mother and grandmother to her niece Sue, Ben, Eve and Joanna Rybnick.

Phyllis had a tremendous love for dogs - especially golden retrievers - and had many dogs during her lifetime! Her golden retriever Holly, adopted 6 years ago, was her loyal companion, always by her side. Phyllis loved her home in Short Hills and spent summers at her Bradley Beach home, which was truly her “happy place;” spending countless hours on the porch with family and friends.

Phyllis was an avid tennis player into her 70s. She was also a lifetime bridge player, never tiring of the game’s intricacies. Her love of all types of music - especially musicals - brought her much joy. Stephen Sondheim’s music was her absolute favorite! She loved to do crossword puzzles and Ken-Ken puzzles. Her green thumb was legendary; caring for many houseplants and flower pots that added such warmth to her home and porch. Phyllis was an excellent cook and really enjoyed drinking white wine and eating lobster! But her children, grandchildren, and great grandson were her absolute pride and joy.

We are very grateful to Atlantic Health Visiting Nurse Hospice for allowing Phyllis to stay comfortably and with dignity in her home at the end of her life, and we are especially grateful to Mera Hanson-McQueen, her home health aide, for her compassionate and doting care. Phyllis will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her. May her memory always be a blessing.