Phyllis and I were law school classmates and members of BCLR together. Phyllis was very insightful, not getting bogged down with the chaff, but cutting right to the wheat.

My best memory is having transportation issues the week of the Mass Bar Exam 31 years ago this week. Phyllis was my life-saver, she got me there on short notice. I'd like to think I kept her sane and focused to and from; of course she was going to pass the Bar Exam! But she would not hear of it... In the hour immediately following the exam, Phyllis and I shared a drink and the emotional outburst of tears that inevitably followed, not out of fear or sadness, just the release of emotions that follow such an intense experience. Phyllis was 20 years older than me, which in 1986 probably seemed like a big gap, and maybe it was. But that Jewish 45 yr old woman and the then 25 yr old Catholic boy connected, maybe because she was a young 45 and I was an old soul 25. And sharing that Bar Exam anxiety with her was something I always remember - and cherish.

She was classy, opinionated, gracious and smart. We kept in touch for several few years after the Bar Exam, but lost touch some time ago. But I still have her birthday (St. Patrick's Day) on my calendar; that reminder, at least one time per year, evoked feelings of fondness and respect, and occasional laughter. I was so sad to have read of her passing in the BC Law Magazine today, and of the Alzheimer's road she traveled in the on-line obituary. My condolences to her children, friends and colleagues. I will miss her, but the annual calendar reminder is not going away.

Phyllis was one of a kind. We first met when she lived in Waltham and I managed her condominium association. We became fast friends, taking day trips to NH and points beyond on shopping excursions, what else! We spent time on Martha's Vineyard, shopping and enjoying the beaches & restaurants. She introduced me to her traveling buddies and off we all went to Italy and Sicily. Phyl and I went to Florida to visit her cousin Renee and enjoy the many jewelry shows and flea markets. When I bought a new condo she helped me buy new furnishings and set them up. She was my personal decorator. Her taste was impeccable and her personal style was unique. Like many others, I, too, was "kolmanized". I will be forever grateful for her friendship and not a day goes by that I don't think of her. She really was one of a kind and a wonderful and dear friend. She had to endure that horrible disease Alzheimer's and left us way too soon. She is now at peace, at last. Knowing Phyl, she'll probably try to redecorate Heaven!