Phyllis Eisenberg, 84, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Sept. 16 following complications from surgery. She dedicated her life to her family, education and community service, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
Phyllis was a remarkable woman with a formidable intellect. A graduate of Olney High School in Philadelphia, she furthered her education at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a pioneer for women by earning the demanding bachelor of science in chemistry degree. Subsequently, she also earned a master of science in physical chemistry. At Penn, she sang with the Hillel Choir and the University Chorus, was a member of the Philomathean Society and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
For 17 of the 48 years that she resided in Amherst, Massachusetts, Phyllis taught chemistry, along with astronomy and environmental science, at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School. Her dedication to education was recognized by peers when she was honored with the Robert Frost Teaching Chair.
Beyond her professional life, Phyllis was a gentle and friendly soul with a keen sense of humor. She was a voracious reader, especially of mystery and detective fiction. She served as a member of the board of Amherst A Better Chance. In both Amherst and Rockville, she volunteered as a tutor for adult English language learners.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Murray Eisenberg; sons Jon Eisenberg, of Bethesda, Maryland, and Michael Eisenberg, of San Leandro, California; grandsons Kamran Eisenberg, Hugo Togasaki and Simon Togasaki and brother Burton Fine of Newton, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phyllis’ memory to Amherst A Better Chance, Friends of the Jones Library System (Amherst, MA) or Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
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