Phyllis Ruth Sperling "Fifi" Obituary (1932 - 2016)

Phyllis Ruth Sperling “Fifi”, age 84 passed away peacefully on September 29th. Preceded in death by parents, Abe & Frieda Sperling and sisters Rosalie Dinkey and Sally Sperling. Survived by “children” Deb Freeman (Edward Lentsch) Steve Freeman and Julie Sinykin (Buck Strifert); “grandchildren” Emma Freeman, Stephanie Strifert, Samantha Freeman, Sarah Lentsch, Margo Strifert and Theo Lentsch, along with many other loving relatives and friends. Although she had no natural born children of her own, Phyllis was like a mother and grandmother to her relatives’ and friends’ children and grandchildren. Outside of a few years in Garrison, Minnesota as a young child and in San Diego, California as a young adult, Phyllis spent the majority of her life in the St. Louis Park area and in North Minneapolis, where she developed lifelong friendships with Molly Bader, Baylee Gordon, Rainy Kushner and Dolly Basukz”l. Phyllis was an elementary school teacher in the Minneapolis Public School system for 30+ years, and continued to work with children long after retirement, most recently helping out once a week with kindergarteners at Aquila Elementary School in St. Louis Park. Phyllis loved going to the theatre and the ballet, but most of all loved attending all of the life events of the children and grandchildren of her many relatives and friends. Phyllis had a unique way of making the people in her life feel special. She deeply touched the lives of all of those fortunate enough to know her, and will be greatly missed by all. Graveside service 2:00 p.m. FRIDAY September 30th, at BETH EL MEMORIAL PARK, 3760 Winnetka Ave N, Crystal. Memorials preferred to Frieda Juster Sperling Nurses Scholarship Fund at Sholom Foundation or donor’s choice. SHIVA. 7:00 p.m. Saturday October 1st at Temple Israel, 2324 Emerson Ave S, Minneapolis.