Phyllis Grossberg Wolk

Phyllis Grossberg Wolk, former director of the Jewish Community Center’s Mayfield branch, died July 29 at the age of 90. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who lived a rich life filled with family, friends, and career accomplishments. Phyllis Ruth Grossberg was born in Cleveland to Sylvia and Maurice Grossberg on Sept. 23, 1935. Her brother Paul (now deceased) was already on the scene. Her father, a physician, died when Mom was just 4 years old, so she was raised by a single mother, with the assistance of her Kabaker grandparents, who lived either with them or nearby. Mom was an excellent student who sang in the famed Cleveland Heights High Choir and attended the University of Wisconsin before graduating from Case Western. She worked as a social worker for Cuyahoga County before meeting and falling in love with young attorney Alan Wolk, whom she married in 1957. Three boys soon followed: Martin, Jeff, and Scott, all of whom survive her. The young family moved first to Phyllis’ childhood home on Tullamore Road and later to a larger, more comfortable home on Fenwick Road, both in University Heights. Once her youngest, Scott, was up and walking, Mom decided to take guitar lessons at the JCC on Mayfield Road. She had a good singing voice and picked up the instrument quickly, and soon she was teaching classes and giving impromptu performances of folk songs like “This Land is Your Land,” “500 Miles,” and “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore.” Her stint at the JCC led to larger roles, including camp supervisor, department director, and eventually director of the Mayfield branch. At some point during this return to work, Mom also went back to school. While raising three children, she managed to earn her master’s degree in social administration from Case and proudly walked down the aisle in a cap and gown. After leaving the JCC, she founded Caring Connections, a consulting company that helps older people and their families navigate assisted living and other late-in-life options. Mom loved to vacation with friends and family, especially on road trips to places like New England for fall foliage and Niagara-on-the Lake for theater. She traveled widely both domestically and internationally, visiting her sons in Israel, Taiwan and other locations, as well vacationing in Italy and other European countries. In addition to traveling, Mom loved spending time with friends, playing Mah Jongg and bridge, or hanging out at family barbecues and parties, of which she hosted many. After the boys were grown, she and Alan moved to a beautiful home on a one-acre spread in Solon, where they hosted many memorable occasions with families and friends, including their four grandchildren, now in their 20s and 30s: Sam, Eli, Sylvia, and Leah. Other survivors include two daughters-in-law, Liz Wolk and Nancy Wolk. Rob Anzalone was like another son, and Janet Bubui became a member of the family through her years as a devoted caregiver. Mom’s husband of 63 years, Alan, died in 2021. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Temple Emanu El in Solon on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 12 noon, and will be streamed at https://www.teecleve.org/. Contributions in her memory can be made to the National Council of Jewish Women.

Phyllis Grossberg Wolk

September 23, 1935 - July 29, 2026