Obituary of Phyllis Haas

Phyllis Kurland Haas of Harrison, NY, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on the evening of May 11th, 2022.  She died peacefully in hospice at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx but was able to stay in her cherished home until the last few days.  She was cremated with no ceremony in accordance with her wishes. She is survived by her son Peter, grandsons Joshua and Daniel, and great-granddaughters Naomi and Alina.

She was born in New York City in 1928 to Margie Silver and William Kurland. She graduated from Walton High School, Bronx, NY, in 1945. While working as a secretary in Manhattan, she met Walter Haas. They married in 1946 and their son, Peter, was born in 1956. Walter died in 2002. She was a loving wife to Walter, supporting him at work and at home, as well as a wonderful mother to Peter and grandmother to Joshua and Daniel. She was thrilled to meet her great-granddaughters, Naomi and Alina, both born in 2021.

She loved literature, belonging to a book study group through her late 80’s, as well as theater, music, art, travel, needlepoint, and bridge. In her younger days, she was an enthusiastic tennis player and bowler. Phyllis was admired for her intelligence, beauty, energy and charm. She was loving to her family and staunchly supportive of her friends. She always had a kind word to say to everyone. As summed up by her friends and acquaintances, she was a “classy lady”.

The family will hold a memorial service for her on June 12th at 2 pm EDT, at the Larchmont Temple in Larchmont, NY.  Rabbi Jeffrey Sirkman will be officiating, and Peter will give the eulogy.  There will be time for anyone else who would like to offer thoughts to say a few words. A small reception at her house, 470 North Street, Harrison, NY, will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Mazon: A Jewish Response to Hunger.