Phyllis L Chess passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the age of 84 with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Helen Stein, her husband Stuart and sisters Elaine and Shirley. She is survived by her children Mitchell (Patricia), Jeffrey, Jonathan (Tracy) and Douglas Chess, grandchildren Rachel, Laura, Daniel, Stephen, David, Jacob, Allison, Brianna, Sarah, and Rebecca, and great-grandchildren Jaimie, Evan, Cora, Jason and Eliana.

Phyllis was born in Brooklyn, NY September 6,1940. She grew up playing in her parents’ Kosher deli and moved to Monsey NY to raise her 4 sons. When her husband became ill she went back to school to support her family.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Pace University and her Master’s in Education from Hunter College CUNY. She taught special education and was a tenured teacher in the Yonkers school district. 

Phyllis was a devoted mother and educator. She also enjoyed bowling, dancing, music, art, tea and fancy hats. She moved to Rochester NY in 2017 to be closer to family, and continued to enjoy these things. She made many new friends who always commented on how friendly she was and her big infectious smile.  

Funeral Services will be held on FRIDAY May 2, 2025 at 11 AM in The Chapel at Temple B’rith Kodesh (2131 Elmwood Avenue).  CLICK HERE for a map to Temple.

A procession will follow to Mount Hope Cemetery.

For those unable to attend in person, please CLICK HERE to Zoom the service.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Phyllis’ memory at ALZ.org