Obituary of PHYLLIS TENDRICK

Phyllis Tendrick, 88 years of age, of NJ, sadly left us on November 26, 2023. Phyllis was born in the Bronx, NY on September 12, 1935.  She is predeceased by her parents Manya and Benjamin (Bennie) Gorenstein, as well as her two siblings, Florence and Edith. Phyllis suffered the loss of her beloved husband, Sandy (Sander) Tendrick, eight and a half months prior to her passing. He was the love of her life, and their story began with a serendipitous blind date. Sandy's friend Herbie dialed a phone number in the newspaper for a basketball league, but unbeknownst to him, the newspaper mistakenly published Phyllis' family’s telephone number instead.  Herbie called and spoke with Phyllis' sister, who was engaged at the time, so she arranged a double blind date for Phyllis and a friend. The intention was for Herbie to accompany Phyllis while Sandy would be paired with her friend. However, upon seeing Phyllis as soon as the door opened, Sandy introduced himself as "Herbie" so that he could be Phyllis' date instead. Phyllis always fondly recalled this encounter as love at first sight. She often delighted in recounting their early dates, particularly how her head fit perfectly on Sandy's shoulder when they went to the movies. Phyllis was sixteen years old and Sandy was twenty when they first met, leading her to humorously remark that "Sandy was afraid he was stealing the cradle." Their first date initiated a lifelong tradition of holding hands that endured until the end of their time together.

Phyllis worked as a switchboard operator before dedicating herself to raising a family. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and mother-in-law.  She took immense pride in her home and family.  She spent time preparing delicious meals for family gatherings passing on cherished family traditions. Phyllis had a flair for interior decorating, always creating an inviting and warm environment in her home. In her leisure time, she enjoyed sketching with charcoals and swimming laps.  Phyllis, a proficient swimmer, aspired to becoming the next Esther Williams wanting to swim the English Channel.  Phyllis and Sandy were inseparable, spending quality time together walking, reading, engaging in conversations, and never running out of things to talk about. Phyllis looked forward to Friday evenings when she took the bus into NY to meet Sandy at their favorite restaurant.  After raising their children, she had a fulfilling job working in the Guidance office at Pascack Valley High School. There, she developed strong connections with staff and students and the experience brought her great joy and satisfaction.

Phyllis had an extraordinary sense of humor and enjoyed entertaining those she cared about.  In her later years, she often expressed the sentiment, "People look but they don't see.”  It is evident that everyone involved in her life could see that she was incredibly loving and supportive.  As Phyllis would often say,  "Azoy geyt der labin," which translates to "That's the way life goes.” This phrase clearly exhibits her resilience and wisdom.

She is survived by her daughter Mara Hoffman and husband Daniel, her sons Larry and Jess Tendrick, granddaughters Risa and Hannah Hoffman, sister Marlene and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her!