Phyllis Joy Friedel

Phyllis Joy Friedel (née Kern), 82, of Los Angeles, Calif., and formerly of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Omaha, Neb., passed away Sept. 19, 2011.

Born in Chicago, Phyllis lived in several places before settling in Omaha, where she lived with her husband, Leonard (lovingly known as Troc), and raised her children. In Omaha she was involved with the National Council of Jewish Women and Hadassah. Eventually she became a life member of both organizations.

Along with Troc, she was active in local theater, performing in many productions of the Omaha Playhouse, the NCJW's Trouping Theater, and the Chanticleer Theatre in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She and Troc left a lasting legacy in Omaha by endowing the Friedel Jewish Academy in 1986.

After Leonard sold his business (Jerry Leonard: Apparel for Big and Tall Men), they moved to Scottsdale, where they lived for several years. There, Phyllis continued her philanthropic work, having been involved with the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix and Temple Solel. She continued to act in local theater and decided to become a serious actress when she moved to Los Angeles in 2004, after the death of her husband.

While in LA, her zest for life was apparent in everything she did. She continued her involvement with the Jewish community through her participation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, the Jewish National Fund, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and the West Coast Jewish Theatre.

A three-time game show winner, she went out on numerous auditions, landing several roles in movies and television shows. She was an expert knitter and made some beautiful items that she lovingly shared with her family. A Frank Sinatra devotee and worldwide traveler, she lived life to the fullest and made a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be greatly missed.