Phillis was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She lived in Highland Park with her parents Ethel and Seymour "Bud", and her younger brother, Richard. The family moved to the city in later years. She attended Lincoln Park High School, The University of Oklahoma, and Roosevelt University in Chicago where she earned her BA degree. Phillis was extremely proud of her Chicago roots, and treasured her family and friends from her native spot.
She had a special relationship with her family. Her father passed away at an early age, and in subsequent years, she treasured time spent with her mother. Phillis and Ethel traveled to numerous countries together and truly enjoyed one another’s company. Phillis was also very close to her brother, Richard.

Phillis worked in advertising and public relations in Chicago. In the mid 1980's, she moved to Palm Springs, California, where her family had a vacation home. Phillis made the decision to try life on the west coast, and returned to Chicago numerous times to visit.

She continued work in the field of advertising while in California, and extended her expertise to sales and public relations. She held positions in hotel sales at The Erawan Garden Hotel in Indian Wells and the former Palm Springs Hilton Riviera. Phillis also worked for two radio stations in the desert, and was the Marketing Director for the Desert Fashion Plaza as well as the City of Palm Springs Village Fest.

In 1985, Phillis met Michael Cohen while working at the Palm Springs Hilton Riviera. The two married in 1986. Michael had a twelve year old daughter, Meredith, and Phillis jumped right into the role of mother. She was extremely dedicated to her family, and set an incredible example as both a working professional and active, compassionate community member.

In 1993, Michael and Phillis moved to Sacramento, California. Phillis took a marketing position with The Jewish Federation and later became Executive Director. Phillis fondly described her years in Sacramento as some of the best of her life. She made many friends in the Jewish community and adored her position with the Federation. She had the opportunity to travel to Israel twice during these years, proclaiming her first trip as her "absolute dream."

Michael and Phillis moved to central Nebraska in 2004 and then relocated to Omaha in 2007. She took a position with the Strategic Air and Space Museum in 2008 as Assistant Director of Development. Once again, she enjoyed her work and was able to meld her previous experience to serve this new community.

Phillis was extremely proud of her two grandchildren, Allyn Marie and Brennan Michael John. It was "Nana's" goal to spoil both kids with love, attention and adorable clothing! Both Phillis and Michael tremendously enjoyed taking care of Allyn in Boston while Meredith and son in law, Walter, delivered Brennan in April 2010. 

Phillis's dry humor, fierce professionalism, passion for reading, zest for fun and life touched many family members, friends and colleagues. She is dearly missed, and will always be remembered for her impressive stature and presence.