Phyllis B. Kamin

Phyllis Berger Kamin of Cumberland died peacefully on Tuesday, June 30 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on March 30, 1927, Phyllis is survived by her husband, Samuel, children, Amy Beth Anderson of Portland, Oregon, Marcy Ann Kamin of Cumberland and Kathy Lynn Kamin-Peasley of Portland, grandchildren Rebecca, Samuel, Daniella and Ryan, and sister Alvene Loeffler of Phoenix, Arizona.

She reluctantly consented to a blind date with her future husband arranged by their sisters in February 1952. They were engaged in March and married in April of that year; a union that was destined to endure for 63 wonderful years.

Phyllis graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and continued her graduate studies at the University of Southern Maine, Husson College and Northeastern Illinois University.

She pursued an early career as an Occupational Therapist in Maine and Illinois schools working with children with multiple handicaps.

In her later years her field of expertise was as a Health Program Manager. She retired as Director of the Women’s Project and consultant on Women’s Services for the Office of Substance Abuse. She also taught courses in Substance Abuse treatment at Southern Maine Community College.

She also has been a member and chair of the Adolescent Pregnancy Coalition and was active on professional and state committees including the Child Welfare Advisory Council and Child Care Advisory Council.

Recently she was coaxed out of retirement to serve on the Board of Directors of Crossroads for Women until failing health forced her resignation

Her entire illustrious career, as well as her life, was devoted to the welfare of handicapped children and women suffering from substance and domestic abuse.

Phyllis was the recipient of numerous awards and certificates of merit recognizing her many contributions furthering the cause of women and child victims of substance abuse. She was particularly proud of being selected out of an outstanding group of her peers for a Women of Achievement award by the YWCA in the year 2000.

In spite of her busy and demanding career, she made time for a full, rich personal life with her husband, children, grandchildren and her granddog, Gidget. She was everyone’s friend and so many sought her sage advice and counsel. She lent a willing ear not only to family members, but co-workers, friends, students and neighbors. Her sense of humor, “smile and twinkling eyes” were a comfort to every life she touched.

Phyllis and Sam joined the Unitarian Church affectionately known as A2U2 and discovered an extended family who helped fill a spiritual void in their lives. They found compassion and comfort in a welcoming community.

Her last years were spent living in Senior Housing in the Town of Cumberland, where she found solace in another welcoming community from officials of the town, the Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and her neighbors.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed travel. Her greatest joy was her many trips to Europe in the company of her husband. She delighted in seeking out new cultures, new experiences, and the adventures of exploring new horizons.

One of her deep concerns was the politics of her state and country and she expressed many of her passionate opinions in letters to the editor of the Portland Press Herald.

Her family invites all her friends and colleagues to join us in a joyous celebration of the life of a woman we all loved and will always remember, Saturday, July 11th, at 2:00 p.m. at the:

Allen Avenue Unitarian-Universalist Church

524 Allen Avenue

Portland, Maine

Phone: 797-7240

For additional information and to sign Phyllis’ guest book, please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

The Cumberland Fire Dept.

366 Tuttle Road

Cumberland, ME 04021

In appreciation of their loving care of their friend and neighbor, Phyllis Kamin.