Phyllis (Bender) De Hart ’50

Phyllis (Bender) De Hart ’50 died Jan. 8, 2021. She was 91. Phyllis majored in sociology and earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois Wesleyan, where she was active in Alpha Gamma Delta. After graduation, she worked at Marshall Field’s flagship store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. In that role, she interviewed a man for a job in the store’s department; he later became her husband. The couple moved to Champaign, Illinois, so her husband could attend law school, while Phyllis worked for an insurance company. They later moved to Aurora, Illinois, where he established a law practice and Phyllis became involved in Child Welfare Society, Inc., and the American Association of University Women. She was involved in many charitable organizations, including as a volunteer at Copley Hospital, where she served as the jewelry buyer in the gift shop. Phyllis assisted her husband in his legal practice, served as a substitute teacher and was active in bridge clubs. She later served as a jewelry associate at Lord & Taylor and Von Maur stores. Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt who loved and embraced life, and brought joy to all those around her. She is survived by her husband, daughter, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two sisters, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

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