Every so often, we have the privilege to encounter people with spirits as generous as they are vibrant. Their good humor and kindness are contagious — gifts they can’t help but share, collected through a lifetime of exceptional experiences.

Phyllis Schroeder, who passed away in May at age 94, was one such soul. FIM was fortunate to have benefited from her generosity and grateful to have called her a friend.

“Phyllis had an infectious smile,” says Rodney Lontine, FIM president and CEO. “She was such a warm and kind person; you couldn’t help but smile with her anytime she was in the room.”

Phyllis accomplished more in her lifetime than many of us could in two. Married to her husband, Paul, for 70 years, their life together started with a journey from Detroit to Alaska and back again to Flint, where they remained active and deeply invested in the community and the Cultural Center. Before Paul’s death in January 2022, he and Phyllis were fixtures at Flint Symphony Orchestra concerts, FSPA faculty concerts, annual auction fundraisers and the FSPA Seeing Stars! Benefit. FIM is humbled that among their many pursuits and interests, they counted performing arts among those vital enough to support.

Phyllis was many things: scholar, teacher, wife, mother, musician, conservationist, adventurer and philanthropist — just to name a few. But above all else, those who knew her best remember her as kind, curious and generous of spirit.

“Phyllis always had so many irons in the fire, so many opportunities to make impact in various places in the community,” says Lontine. “For her to dedicate even a small part of herself to the Flint Symphony Orchestra, music instruction, and FIM — that is truly special. And we are so grateful.”

We extend our condolences to Phyllis’s friends and family. The memory of Phyllis and Paul will long endure through their generous support of FIM, FSPA and FSO over the years.