Phyllis Rose "Phrose" Raphael

A memorial service for Mrs. Phyllis Rose “Phrose” Raphael, 99, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Sterlington Rd., Monroe, LA, with Rev. Whit Stodghill officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. A champagne celebration of Phrose’s life will be held at the Cohen home.

Phyllis Rose Seligman Raphael, 99 and ½, died peacefully on March 3, 2024, at the St. Joseph Assisted Living facility in Monroe. Phyllis Rose (or Phrose as she was known to family and friends) was born on September 9, 1924, in Louisville, Kentucky, the 3^rd of her parents, Hannah Berman Seligman and Hyman Israel Seligman of Bastrop, Louisiana. She grew up happily there with her beloved brother, Jacob Selig Seligman (Helen Grace Perretz) and her dear sister, Miriam Seligman (Joe) Schendle in their graceful and welcoming home at 222 West Hickory, a short walk from their family business, Seligman’s Inc. 

Phrose attended and graduated from Bastrop schools in 1940. Her next stop was Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, after which she transferred to Louisiana State University- Baton Rouge, graduating in 1944. In April of 1945, she and Maurice Raphael, her best friend forever (at least since she was 4 years old) wed, and began their lifelong marriage at Camp LeJeune, until WWII was over. They moved home to Bastrop, where Maurice began his career as the Friendliest Salesman Ever and co-owner at Seligman’s Inc.

Phrose and Maurice, surrounded by family and friends, had 3 children, Nanette (Mel) Cohen, Elaine (Gus) Kuhn and Alan, all who attended and graduated from Bastrop Schools. Phrose was an active volunteer in Bastrop schools, dancing schools, Bastrop Public Library, Girl Scouts Camp and the Silver Waters Council, and a very important founder, worker for and contributor to the Snyder Museum, for which she was honored with State of Louisiana awards and recognition. She was also a dedicated member of Temple B’Nai Israel in Monroe, long-time member of The Temple Sisterhood, Coterie Club of Bastrop, and others. She and her husband Maurice were also involved in the fundraising and support for The Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi, a wonderful summer camp serving children from all over the Southeast.

Phrose, aka The General, dedicated many hours to planning and arranging summer adventures for the whole family, (most importantly, the eagerly awaited yearly week at the Beach!). She also thoroughly researched and enjoyed many travels with Maurice and dear friends and family worldwide. Many fun reminders of these trips eventually morphed into their famous Travel Wall and brought forth memories and stories they loved to share.

Phrose and Maurice left their turquoise home in Bastrop and moved to St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Campus in Monroe, where they met and made new friends while keeping the old.

Phrose and Maurice still traveled when they could and were always pleased to host the many family members and friends who kept in touch. 

Phrose treasured her children and their spouses, their grandchildren and their spouses, 4 great grandsons, and one great great grandson, all of whom were lucky enough to meet and know her. While the grandchildren held very special places in her heart, her 4 “greats” just overwhelmed her with pleasure.

The family is so very grateful to the wonderful group of women who cared for her on a daily and nightly basis, and who we think of as family: Linda Badger, Glenda Spurs’, Janice Magee and Lulu Hill. There were many others involved in her care, and we honor all of them. You will always be in our hearts.

Contributions in Phrose’s memory may be made to Temple B’Nai Israel in Monroe, Louisiana, The Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi, or to the charity of your choice.

May her memory be a blessing.

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