Phyllis Rozinski

We bid farewell to Phyllis Rozinski, who had devoted her life to helping the elderly and disabled of our community.

On Saturday, May 2, 2015, at the age of 89, Phyllis Rozinski of Kenosha passed away at her residence.

Born on July 24, 1925, in Sheboygan, WI, she was the daughter of the late Frank C. and Josephine A. (Schroda) Heyden.

Education played an important part in Phyllis’ life beginning at a young age.  She attended local schools and was a graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School.  She also attended the University of Wisconsin-Kenosha Extension with her studies in sociology, ward teaching and management, Toledo Ohio University with her studies in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, the College of St. Francis where she received her Master’s Degree in Health Administration and graduated as a registered nurse from St. Luke’s Hospital and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

On July 4, 1947, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, she was united in marriage to Roger L. Rozinski.  He preceded her in death on February 24, 1999.

Phyllis’ achievements were endless.  She was a mentor to many at St. Catherine’s Hospital.  She established the staff development department, social services department, discharge planning department, early discharge based on Hospice philosophy with home visits and the parents caring and sharing organization.  Professional titles that Phyllis received were, RN, BS, BA, MSHA, Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Staff Development, Director of Social Services and Discharge Planning and a death and dying counselor.

Phyllis was instrumental in establishing what evolved as the Meals on Wheels Program and was involved with the Volunteer Escort Program since its inception.  She was on many professional boards in Kenosha county and throughout southeastern Wisconsin; serving as an activist for the elderly and disabled.  She was on the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging Services, Inc., Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and the Kenosha County Commission on Aging, Kenosha Family and Aging Service, Inc., where she served as the board President, Society Assets where she chaired on the advisory home health board, Olston Health Association, Elder Abuse Committee, Town of Somers Fire & Rescue study committee, Town of Somers Fire Chief selection committee, and the Town of Somers Board of Appeals. From 2006 to 2007, she was the chairperson for the Commission on Aging for Kenosha County, Kenosha County Resource Center board member, Resource Center and Disability Board and the Nutrition Council.  In 2004, she was named Kenosha County Volunteer of the Year and in 2005, she was given the Kenosha County Jefferson Award in Washington, DC.  Phyllis’ hobbies included gardening, crocheting and playing with her dog, Buffy.

She is survived by two children, Gary (Jean) and Roger (Marianne) Rozinski; and three grandchildren, Benny, Michael and Erica Ruffolo and five great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, William F. Heyden.

Phyllis’ family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dennis and Kathy Sadowiski and family for their love, concern and daily companionship with their mother over the years.