MANCHESTER – Phyllis Weisberger, 83, previously of Manchester and Bonita Springs, Fla., died Tuesday, June 28, 2011, in Waterville. She was born in Troy, N.Y., the oldest of four children of Betty (Levin) and Lou Winkler.
Phyllis moved to Gardiner in 1956 with her husband William “Bill” Weisberger, where she and Bill raised five children. Their home in Gardiner and their camp in Manchester was the center of many family activities. She was an excellent cook and gracious hostess of many social events including weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and family reunions for her children, grandchildren and other family members. After Bill retired, he and Phyllis would spend their summers on Cobbosseecontee Lake and their winters in Bonita Springs, Fla. Phyllis was an exuberant and talented woman. She was an entrepreneur, starting her own beauty salon and boutique in Augusta called The Chic. She also was a realtor for a number of years both in the Augusta area and in southwest Florida. Phyllis was involved in many activities including Kennebec Valley Mental Health and Hospice Care in Kennebec County, where she was one of the founding organizers. She was a 40-plus year member of Hadassah, a member of Temple Beth El and volunteered to teach literacy to adults even into her 80s. Phyllis and Bill were active and enjoyed skiing, playing golf and tennis. They were longtime members of Augusta Country Club. Phyllis was also a licensed pilot. She was very artistic. Throughout the years she spent time painting, knitting, and teaching 3-Dimensional art. Phyllis was always known for her sense of humor, the twinkle in her eyes and her grand smile.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, William; her son, Hal; and her grandson, Isaac. Phyllis is survived by her son, Dr. Steven Weisberger and his wife, Teri, of Jonesport; her daughters, Dr. Jeri Stevens and her husband, Doug, of Sidney, Dr. Randi Cohen and her husband, Bill, of Columbus, Ohio, and Lori Hancock and her husband, Dave, of Bonita Springs, Fla.; and her daughter-in-law, Paula Weisberger of Winthrop. Phyllis is also survived by her siblings, Caryl Ashkin of Buffalo, N.Y., Morris Winkler and friend, Marilyn, of Del Ray Beach, Fla., and Torrington, Conn., and Sandy Reiner and her husband, Bert, of Oxford, Conn., and Las Vegas. She has several grandchildren including Bethany Weisberger and Joel Weisberger of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ryan Spindell of Los Angeles, Travis Weisberger of Boston, Tyler Weisberger of Orono, Jake Stevens of Bethel, Sara Stevens of Portland, Hannah Cohen of Columbus, Ohio, Marcia Ellis of Northport, Karen Tompkins of Windham; and two great-grandchildren, Charlie and Will Tompkins.
An open house to visit with family will be held noon-6 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at 1580 Pond Road, Sidney. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 29, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. Memorial donations may be sent in Phyllis’ name to Health Reach Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828. Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta. Condolences may be sent to the family through
www.khrfuneralhomes.com.