Group to honor late friend
BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Members of the Friends of Westlake will hold a dedication ceremony on April 18 at 2:30 p.m. to honor a resident who was an inspiration to all.

"Phyllis Denker, 69, who passed away two years ago, was a woman of valor," said Marilyn Goldstein, a spokeswoman for the Friends of Westlake, a support group that helps people with disabilities and different medical issues. "We will dedicate a door for the handicapped which was recently installed at the clubhouse."

Denker had Parkinson's disease for 28 years and made her way around the Westlake clubhouse by using a walker. She traveled around the adult community by using a scooter.

"She was a very determined lady who would do anything she possibly could," Goldstein said. "She was a wonderful inspiration and we wanted to dedicate the door to her."

It wasn't exactly Denker's feats, but her attitude was always positive and determined, Goldstein said.

"That is what she gave to us," Gold-stein said. "She showed us that no matter what was given to you, you must go on and live life to the fullest and never say you can't."

Goldstein said Denker always had to look just right. Her clothes always matched and so did her nail polish.

"She ordered from catalogs since it was easier than getting her husband, Larry, to take her to the stores," Gold-stein said. "Larry would get a surprise when the UPS truck pulled up to the their home."

"She lived her life as if she didn't have it [Parkinson's]," said Denker, who took Phyllis to her high school prom and knew her since she was 17. "She was quite a lady. That's why the Friends of Westlake are dedicating the door to her."

The couple was married for 49 years and nine months.

The dedication ceremony will be followed by cake and coffee, Goldstein said.