Phyllis Zacovitch Killian

Phyllis Zacovitch Killian, age 84, died on April 19, 2011 in Madison, Wisconsin. She was born on September 21, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Ida Rovner Zacovitch and Norman Zacovitch. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1948, married Herbert M. Greenberg and completed a Master's Degree in the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago with a specialization in psychiatric social work.

As a psychiatric social worker, Mrs. Killian's career was diverse: she worked with children, disabled teenagers, with the elderly and in psychiatric hospitals. She was a social worker for many years with the Rochester (N.Y.) City School District where she provided therapy for K-12 students, their families and teachers. In Rochester she also created a community-based education program for pregnant teenagers that allowed them to complete their high school educations.

In 1971, Mrs. Killian married Samuel T. Killian and moved to Syracuse, NY. She was a psychotherapist in private practice in Syracuse for 30 years. Also in Syracuse, she was a clinical faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Health Science Center and an adjunct professor at the Syracuse University School of Social Work.

Surviving her are her two children, David R. Greenberg (Cynthia Durham) of Manlius, New York and Laurie S. Z. Greenberg (Alberto Vargas) of Madison, Wisconsin and four grandchildren: Anya and Noah Greenberg, Ilana and Gustavo Zach Vargas. She is also survived by her brothers, Jerome Covin (Renee) and Robert Covin and three stepchildren, Ronald S. Killian (Carol), Stephen Killian (Chris) and Vicki M. Killian and their children.

Private family services are planned.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Capital Lakes Terraces and HospiceCare, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin for their fine work and tender hearts.