Phyllis Siegal

Phyllis Portman Siegal, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in Boston to Bill and Goldie (Alperin) Portman, Phyllis was a lifelong learner and dedicated educator. She graduated from Hebrew Teachers College and Boston University before earning her Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Hartford. Her passion for teaching and her compassion for others left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues. She taught religious school at Temple Beth El and special education at the Solomon Schechter Day School, where her kindness and patience shaped countless young lives.

Phyllis was a proud and active member of her Jewish community, where she found joy and purpose. Her warmth extended into her home in Bloomfield, CT, where she was known for her incredible cooking, her love of reading and sewing, and, most of all, the time she spent surrounded by her beloved family, especially around the Jewish holidays.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald, after 62 years of marriage. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and meaningful connection. She and Jerry enjoyed their winters in Florida with dear friends and family, where she continued playing mahjong as she had regularly while raising her children.

Phyllis is also survived by her sister Elaine (David) Talmanson; her children David (Laurie) Siegal, Nancy (David) Sheinberg, and Lisa (John) Bradley; and her seven adored grandchildren, Alex, John, Rachel, Andrew, Daniel, Zachary, and Jeremy, all of whom brought her endless pride and joy.

Phyllis will be remembered for her ever-present optimism, her generous spirit, her dedication to education, and her deep love for family. She touched many lives and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and love.

Services will be held at 1pm on Sunday, June 29, in Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Mazon, a Jewish organization dedicated to ending hunger (https://mazon.org/).

--- An online livestream of the services can be accessed at: http://www.harborview.live/phyllissiegal