A Remarkable Centenarian

Betty Kaplowitz Phillipoff is a life model for all of us! As a young woman in the ghetto of New York City, she worked by day and attended New York University Law School by night, graduating in 1925, one of about five women in her class. She worked for the New York State Labor Relations Board. “I felt I was being useful, helpful to people and society.” She later met and married Anatole Phillipoff from a peasant village in Macedonia who matched her intellect and humanity. He spoke six languages and, remarkable, graduated from Harvard University in one and one-half years after immigrating to the United States. They were members of the Ethical Culture Society on Long Island. In 1981 they retired to Port Charlotte, FL, where they were active in the Charlotte County UU Fellowship. When Anatole died, family access to nursing home records became an issue. Betty spearheaded a drive which changed the Florida law, so families could see these records. The group, Quality Care Advocates, resulted from her efforts. She was chosen the Quality Super Senior in 1990, an award by the Florida Council on Aging and Florida Power and Light Company for this accomplishment. Now living in Bradenton near her family, Betty continues to be an inspiration. The Manatee Fellowship celebrated her 100th birthday last year with a special Sunday service followed by a gala party given by her family. The music was lively and she led the dancing with her son Robert. This centenarian continues to live in the present. She has just finished editing the manuscript of a biography of her remarkable husband; Anatole Remembers is available through the Manatee Fellowship. Despite some physical frailty, she continues to keep church members and speakers on their toes with cogent remarks and questions during discussion. She is a UU gem! — SHIRLEY CRANDALL