Phyllis Scharff Stern passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 90. Always an exceptionally warm and gracious lady, Phyllis was welcoming and kind to everyone she met throughout her life. She was born January 27, 1934, to parents Daniel Laub Scharff and Phyllis Beekman Scharff in New Orleans, LA. She was a graduate of Isidore Newman School and Newcomb College where she studied biology. After working as a laboratory technician at Touro Hospital, she took a sabbatical to start and raise a family with her former husband Louis Stern. In later years she thoroughly enjoyed a second career as a real estate agent, working with Martha Ann Samuel, Inc. and Gertrude Gardner Realtors. In addition to raising a family, caring for loved ones and spending time with dear friends, she was generous with her time, energy and effort in helping others in need of assistance. For many years she served on the board, ultimately becoming board president, of Jewish Children's Regional Service, a multi-state regional organization assisting at-risk, dependent and financially challenged Jewish children and families. She also gave her time and energy as a volunteer for National Council of Jewish Women and WYES TV in New Orleans. Phyllis' absolute greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family, daughter Kathy Scharff Stern (partner Ken Carson) of Metairie, LA and son Michael L. Stern of Metairie, LA, granddaughters Lauren Rabin Cohen (Todd Cohen) of St. Louis and Brooke Rabin Weinstein of Austin, TX and her adored great grandchildren Mia Cohen and Jaden Cohen of St. Louis, MO and Charles Weinstein and Eli Weinstein of Austin, TX. At age 70 she moved to Dallas, TX to share 15 loving and fulfilling years with her beloved partner, Jerry Strug. Due to failing health, she returned to New Orleans in 2020 and lived out her remaining years at Lambeth House senior living community.
The family would like to thank the entire staff of St. Anna's at Lambeth House for their devoted and attentive care as well as Guardian Angel Hospice.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00am in Metairie Cemetery, Rabbi Daniel Sherman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages any memorial donations be made to Jewish Children's Regional Service (JCRS), P.O. Box 7368, Metairie, LA 70010-7368 https://www.jcrs.org or to Congregation Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 https://templesinainola.com
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