Phyllis Ann Rubinovitz

Phyllis Ann Rubinovitz of Longboat Key, FL and Lexington, MA died peacefully on March 2, 2026 at the age of 93. Phyllis was a mainstay and leader of devoted circles of family and friends throughout her life. With her stylish looks and vivacious manner, Phyllis was a great asset to her beloved late husband of 67 years, Samuel (Sam) Rubinovitz, in his 45-year business career. She was a woman of great strength who rose to meet the challenges life presented her. At the same time, she lived life to the fullest, organizing yearly friends’ retreats to Captiva Island, family Seders, reunion brunches, bridal showers, synagogue bereavement and beautification committee work, and so much more. She enjoyed entertaining, movies, theater, fine dining, shopping, travel, and, above all, friends and family. She will be sorely missed.

Born Phyllis Ann Silverstein in Manchester, CT on August 8, 1932, Phyllis was the middle child of the late Saul and Rebecca (Rigi) Silverstein. She was predeceased by her older brother Lee Silverstein; Lee’s son John; and her first cousin Joan (Ostrows) Mordecai (Bud). She is survived by her descendants: sons, David and Robert Rubinovitz (Anne) and grandsons Charles and Michael; her younger sister, Barbara Silverstein; Lee’s family: (Dhun) and Priya Silverstein, Leslie Amadeo (David), Amy Cramer (Amelia) and Margo, Elizabeth Maller (Glenn) and Eli and Jaclyn; and Joan’s family: Mark and Lily; David (Nicole) and Rachel.

Phyllis was raised in Manchester, and attended Manchester High School. She spent weekends and summers at the family’s lake house in Columbia, CT, where she gave boat tours to guests and had fun in the water, including synchronized swimming lessons. She attended Wheaton College and majored in English, an interest that she maintained throughout her life. She was midway through her latest book club novel when she died.

During college, Phyllis’s cousin Joan brought her friend Sam to the Silverstein family Seder for an introduction. Sam, who had recently broken up with his girlfriend, needed a date for his MIT graduation celebrations, lest his pre-purchased tickets go to waste. The product of a strict Orthodox home, Sam was charmed by Phyllis’s good looks and lebedik (lively) personality. By the end of graduation, Phyllis and Sam were an item. They married on August 22, 1954 at the lake house.

Phyllis and Sam began married life in Framingham, MA, where their sons were born: David in 1957 and Robert in 1962. A devoted mother, Phyllis anchored David and found him the best possible care and education throughout his life. She developed a special bond with Robert over their shared love of plays and movies and came regularly to his soccer games and other school events.

The family moved to Lexington in 1966, where Phyllis created a home that was a hub for three generations of family and a wide circle of friends. Phyllis was a warm and attentive hostess for treasured occasions, such as the vibrant annual family Seder and the elegant bridal shower welcoming Anne to the family. In the early 1990’s, Phyllis and Sam began life as “snowbirds” dividing their year between Lexington and Longboat Key. Phyllis delighted in entertaining family and friends in both homes, and hosted an annual Super Bowl party in Longboat.

Phyllis created beautiful homes in Lexington and Longboat and, with Sam, amassed significant glass art collections in both. Collecting glass art was a shared passion. The couple relished annual collecting trips, primarily in the Berkshires, and equally enjoyed showing their glass art to others. They donated their Lexington collection to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA.

Without calling attention to herself, Phyllis was a leader and organizer at the synagogue and among her extensive social circles. She spearheaded the renovation and redecoration of the Rubinovitz Social Hall at Temple Emunah and the work of the synagogue’s Bereavement Committee. She planned restaurant outings and activities for annual trips to Captiva Island for a close group of friends dating back to Sam’s childhood. She organized an annual brunch for Silverstein family reunions at the Four Seasons Hotel and other fine restaurants, which were a highlight for her family.

Phyllis was kind and thoughtful. On birthdays, she called her immediate family members first thing in the morning to sing the birthday song. She arranged for a white chocolate mousse cake from the premiere Watergate Bakery to be delivered by taxi to Robert and Anne on every birthday. She sent cards and checks to all in her extended family. For her grandsons Charlie and Mikey, she sent cards for every holiday, even Halloween, and came to every birthday party. She was so concerned for their feelings that on each grandson’s birthday, she sent a smaller check to the other grandson, which she called their “unbirthday present.”

Phyllis was generous and donated to numerous charities. She especially supported Wheaton College, where she sponsored several scholarship students, and Temple Emunah, where she continued her relationships and membership. In Longboat, she developed ties with Temple Beth Israel and enjoyed the annual movie class at their Education Center for decades until her death. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Wheaton College, Temple Emunah, The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, or a charity of their choosing.

A Graveside Service will be held at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford Street, Lexington, on March 8, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Shiva will follow services at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington, from 1-3 pm and will continue Monday from 6-7:30 pm.

Live Streaming available at: https://tinyurl.com/PhyllisRubinovitz