Phyllis L. Solden

Phyllis Solden of Ocean Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was 87 years old. Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend.

Phyllis was born on March 6, 1938, in Newark, NJ, to Sigmund and Bessie (Scher) Lipson. She grew up in a Jewish Orthodox home with her sisters Miriam, Sandi, and Maxine. Phyllis worked hard in school, earning a scholarship that allowed her to be the first in her family to attend college. She graduated from Weequahic High School and went on to Douglass College, Rutgers University, where she majored in mathematics and completed her teaching certification.

It was at Rutgers that Phyllis met the love of her life, Allan Solden, through Hillel. They married just four days after her graduation in June 1959, beginning a marriage that spanned 66 years. Together they built a life grounded in devotion and respect, always standing by each other through every challenge. No matter the obstacles, they faced them side by side. Phyllis created a warm home where everyone was welcome at the table, and where family and friends alike felt embraced by her love and generosity.

Phyllis’s career as an educator was distinguished and impactful. She began at Shore Regional High School, where she rose to department head and was the first teacher in the school to introduce computer programming when she learned BASIC herself the night before teaching it. A strong advocate, she organized a strike that brought long-overdue changes to let women educators wear pants at school. She found deep fulfillment working with students who needed extra support. Former students often remembered her stern but fair approach, with one even returning years later to thank her for failing him because it helped change the course of his life. She later taught in New York City at Birch Wathen Lenox School, commuting daily by subway.

Her Jewish faith and traditions were central throughout her life. She was an active member in her synagogue. Phyllis kept a kosher kitchen, lit candles for Shabbat and holidays, and fasted each Yom Kippur. Her holiday meals were unforgettable. Her chopped liver, fricassee, sponge cake, and brisket became staples, anchoring family celebrations. She took pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s milestones, handcrafting needlepoint tallit bags and rug-hooked art for their b’nai mitzvahs. She was also a force for change, petitioning her synagogue board to allow women to read Torah, which helped pave the way for her daughter to be the first to do so at Temple Beth Torah in Ocean, NJ.

Phyllis had a zest for life, a sharp wit, and a deep curiosity. She loved books, Wordle, New York Times crossword puzzles, and game nights with Mahjong or Rummikub. She traveled widely, from road trips to adventures abroad with her family, including England, Paris, Israel, Australia, and many cruises.

Above all, Phyllis was devoted to her family. She delighted in watching her grandchildren Dylan and Rachel grow and thrive, always encouraging them and celebrating their achievements. She was fiercely protective of those she loved, endlessly supportive, and never stopped reminding her family of the importance of being together. In the months since Allan’s passing, her greatest wish was to be with him again. One thing her family can all agree on is that she is now at peace, reunited with the love of her life.

Phyllis is survived by her son Mark (Randi) Solden, daughter Sherry Solden (Dan Steinberg), grandchildren Dylan (fiancée Jordan) and Rachel, and sisters Miriam Kaufman and Maxine Lipson (Carlo Marignani). She was predeceased by her husband Allan, her sister Sandi Friedman, and many other beloved family members.

Phyllis and Allan were deeply philanthropic, living by the Jewish principle of tzedakah, a commitment to charity. They gave quietly but consistently to countless causes, always seeking to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Whether supporting Adults and Children with Learning & Development Disabilities, Alzheimer’s Research, American Kidney Fund, Breast Care Comfort Fund at Virtua Health, Diabetes Research Institute, National Education Association or simply helping someone in need, Their giving spirit left a lasting impact. In honor of Phyllis’s legacy, the family invites you to donate to a charity that you are strongly connected to in her name, continuing her example of compassion, generosity, and care for others.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Sunday, August 24, 2025 beginning at 11:30 am at Locustwood Memorial Park, Sec. 22M, Cherry Hill, NJ.All are welcome to the home of Mark and Randi Solden following the service.

The family will be sitting shiva at the home of Mark and Randi’s on Sunday (8/24) at 4:30pm and Monday (8/25) and Tuesday (8/26) at 7:30pm.