Phyllis Levy

Phyllis had a rare gift: she made people feel truly seen and heard. As a social worker, she spent her career championing those who were often overlooked and stigmatized. In the 1970s, on a whim, she trained in the techniques of Masters and Johnson, transforming from a “regular” psychiatric social worker into a sex therapist. In 1978, she opened All About Women–a counseling center dedicated to serving women in the Chicago area–because she disliked the traditional, detached approach to mental health care. Throughout her career, Phyllis advocated for the rights of women and marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals and people living with HIV. She believed in love, dignity, and humanity, even when society was not always willing to.

Phyllis also brought these conversations into the public sphere with her radio show, Sex Talk, which aired in Chicago and Boston throughout the 1980s and ’90s. The show tackled taboo topics head-on, providing education, empowerment, and a platform for open discussion on relationships, sexuality, and human connection. Her down-to-earth approach helped many listeners navigate their own lives with greater understanding and confidence.

The island of Maui, Hawaii, held a special place in Phyllis’s heart. She and her husband Mort moved to Maui in 2008, several years after falling in love with the island. Over the next 15 years, Phyllis dedicated much of her time to educating visitors about the island’s rich history, preserving the environment, and supporting the independence and well-being of its seniors. She gave her time, energy, and kindness without hesitation–not only to these causes but also to her family and many friends.

Phyllis’s curiosity led to a passion for photography. She was always searching for the perfect light, the perfect angle, and the perfect subject–usually her grandchildren–to deepen her understanding of the world around her. She saw details that others often missed, finding beauty in the smallest moments and sharing them with those she loved.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: her daughter, Jennie Harris; her son-in-law, Matthew Harris; and her grandchildren, Jackson and Samuel, who were the lights of her life. They will carry on her legacy of generosity, curiosity, and courage.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Maui Cultural Lands (https://mauiculturallands.org/) or Nā Hoaloha (https://nahoaloha.org/).