Obituary of Phyllis Barbara Goldstein

Albany-Phyllis Barbara Goldstein, 74, of Albany, died Friday. She was born to the late Hyman and Rose Gordon, Dec. 20, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA. Phyllis graduated from South Philadelphia High School in 1957 and received a BA in Education from the University of Michigan in 1968. She also attended the School of Social Welfare at the University of Albany where she received a Master's Degree in Social Work. She married Dr. Richard Goldstein in 1964 and was married for 50 years. Phyllis was an administrator for the Albany County Department of Mental Health until she retired in 2002. She was a passionate advocate for those suffering from mental illness. Being a lung cancer survivor, her passion led her to establish the New York State chapter of the Lung Cancer Alliance, an organization committed to saving lives through early screening, detection and advancing research by empowering those living with or at risk for lung cancer. She was honored as volunteer of the year in 2013. Phyllis was an active member of the League of Women Voters, National Organization of Women and served on the Board of Directors of Capital Area Peer Services; an organization dedicated to promoting dignity, safety and recovery from mental illness. She was a member of the Mental Health Players and a member of the Mental Health Sub-Committee of the Albany County Legislation. She was actively involved with Congregation Beth Emeth and served as a past President of the Sisterhood. She loved to travel, and took over 30 cruises with her husband. Phyllis is survived by her husband Dr. Richard Goldstein of Albany. She is also survived by two children: Heather (Anthony) Linsk of East Greenbush and Paul (Mia DiTaranto) Goldstein of Los Angeles. She also is survived by two grandchildren Shira and Eliana Linsk. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Lung Cancer Alliance. A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Tuesday at Congregation Beth Emeth, 100 Academy Rd., Albany, N.Y. Interment will follow immediately after at the Beth Emeth Cemetery, Loudonville. Shiva will at the home of Heather Linsk: Tuesday: After the Burial Wednesday: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm Thursday: 11am - 2pm, 4pm - 8pm Friday: 11am - 2pm