To the editor:

I have known Phyllis for many years, though it is really only during the last few years that I came to know her better and call her my friend.

I worked as case manager for High Peaks Hospice for 14 years and for much of that time, Phyllis served as a volunteer professional advisor, attending our team meetings as someone with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

I then knew her as a longtime active member of Adirondack Voters for Change, a nonpartisan progressive issues-based organization. Phyllis was very committed to compassionate end-of-life care and actively lobbied in Albany promoting passage of the Medical Aid in Dying law.

And when I joined the Lake Placid Curling Club, there was Phyllis, a seasoned veteran.

A few years ago, I asked if she would join me on the board of directors for High Peaks Hospice and I was honored to serve with her.

She took me birdwatching at the Ausable swamp and the Christmas bird count in Saranac Lake.

Phyllis was active in many things of which I was not a part, such as a women’s investment group, tennis and golf. She lived her values as a vegan and drove an electric car. Her yard was full of bird feeders and inside were two rescue cats. She was active in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She talked about her family in Canton, her parents and her husband.

Many knew Phyllis much better than I. She was a great lady with an open heart and a model as a lifelong learner.

A memorial service will be held for Phyllis on Wednesday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Saranac Lake.

Her many interests have sparked some ways to honor her, by making donations. Voters for Change suggests www.compassionandchoices.org. Curlers encourage donations to the Civic Center, www.saranaclakeciviccenter.org. And there is also highpeakshospice.org. At each site you can designate your donation in memory of Phyllis Magnus.

We will all miss you Phyllis.

Good curling!

Peggy Wiltberger

Saranac Lake