Honoring Phyllis Howard-Hoenig (1938-2025)

The League of Women Voters of New York is honored to introduce the Phyllis Howard-Hoenig Memorial Fund, created to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of an extraordinary champion of civic participation and women’s rights.

Born in Florence, Alabama, Phyllis Howard-Hoenig grew up on a family farm as one of eight siblings, where she learned the values of hard work, self-reliance, and independence. In her early twenties, she embarked on a career at the CIA in Washington, DC, before settling in Mahopac, NY, where she became a pillar of the community.

Phyllis was known for her Southern charm, grace, grit and unwavering determination. She seemingly effortlessly formed and nurtured long-lived friendships with people across all walks of life, groups and divides. She was deeply involved in local organizations, including outdoor groups, the Garden Club, the Book Club, and numerous charities.

But it was her lifelong commitment to women’s issues, civic participation, and voting rights that truly set her apart. As the Founding Vice-President of the Putnam County League of Women Voters Phyllis played a pivotal role in launching Candidate Forums which she saw as vitally important in a partisan time and place. She was also a passionate supporter of the Students in Albany program, dedicating herself to identifying, sponsoring, and mentoring young leaders from her community.

The Phyllis Howard-Hoenig Memorial Fund will carry forward her legacy by strengthening League of Women Voters programs that empower women, deepen civic participation, and cultivate the next generation of civic leaders.