Phyllis Goldman Margolius, a native Washingtonian who was active in local community and civic affairs, died Feb. 20.
A president of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of Greater Washington from 1993-95, she guided the organization’s board members, staff and volunteers in its fundraising, community building, planning, marketing, outreach and financial activities. Before serving as president, she was the vice president and general campaign chairman.
She most recently served as the president of the United Jewish Endowment Fund and was a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s executive committee, and was a Federation board member since 1980. Her other activities with the Federation included leading four missions to Israel and South America, and several women’s division leadership positions.
Jewish organizations that benefited from Margolius’ talents included the Greater Washington Jewish Community Foundation, the Board of Jewish Education, the Jewish Campus Activities Board and the Jewish Social Service Agency.
Nationally, Margolius was active with the Council of Jewish Federations, where she served as vice president and chairman of the budget and finance committee; the United Jewish Communities; and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). At AIPAC, she served as chairman of the Washington committee and in 2007 completed more than 10 years as a member of the executive committee.
Margolius also served on the governing bodies of the Jerusalem Center for Public
Affairs, the March of the Living, and the boards of the United Jewish Appeal, United
Israel Appeal and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. She also served as president of the Ruach Chapter of Na’amat USA and a board member of Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County.
She was the beloved wife of Philip N. Margolius; cherished daughter of the late Aaron and Cecile Goldman; mother of David (Iris) Margolius, Kenneth Margolius and
Jennifer (Jimmy) Fisher; sister of Michael D. (Janet) Goldman; devoted sister-in-law of Joan and Jerry Cherner and Alan and Denese Margolius; grandmother of Ma’ayan, Ro’i and Noa Margolius and Jesse Aaron and Jocelyn Grace Fisher; niece of Balfour (Doris)
Goldman and Marjory Goldman; daughter-in-law of Lilyan and the late Bernard
Margolius. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Torchinsky Hebrew Funeral Home.
