Phyllis Faye Roth Schlezinger Cantor, died Saturday, November 16 at age 89. She was a resident of Village Shalom Senior Living in Overland Park, Kansas, where she received exceptional care from the staff.

Phyllis was born in Columbus, Ohio on December 22, 1934, daughter of Irvin and Mildred (nee Pailet) Roth. She is survived by her children: Lauren Cantor Fasbinder (nee Schlezinger), Chuck (Sandi) Cantor (nee Schlezinger), Dr. Michael (Tammi Levy-Cantor) Cantor, and Dr. Bruce (Susan) Cantor; and grandchildren, Rachel Short, Morgan Fasbinder, Chip Cantor, Graham Fasbinder, Samson Cantor, Benjamin Cantor, Lily Cantor, and Isaac Cantor; and great-granddaughter Sephira Short. Phyllis also leaves behind her brother Benson (Arlene) Roth, sister Hellan (Brad) Dowden, and many, many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by husbands Clifford Schlezinger and Solomon Cantor, son David Cantor, son-in-law Mark (Lauren) Fasbinder, and brother L. Jack (Janice) Roth. A graduate of The Ohio State University, she lived in Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis, Missouri, and the Kansas City area.

A fighter for justice and social action, she fought to help those in need, for the environment and other worthy causes, and she battled cancer three times. While her fighting days are over, the difference she made in so many people’s lives will live on.

A funeral will be held graveside on Monday, November 18, at 1:30, at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery on White Road in Chesterfield, MO, with Shiva immediately following graveside service at TownePlace Suites Chesterfield in Chesterfield, MO. Shiva will also be held on Wednesday, November 20 at Village Shalom in Overland Park, KS, at 7 pm. And Shiva will be observed on Sunday, November 24, at the home of Tammi and Mike Cantor in Newton, MA, from 5-8 pm.