Swampscott music teacher dies suddenly from Flu complications

SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. — A longtime music teacher in Swampscott passed away suddenly Wednesday due to complications from the Flu, according to the school district.

Phyllis Gotlib died Thursday after she “became unexpectedly ill over the weekend,” Swampscott Schools Superintendent Pamela Angelakis wrote in a letter to the community.

Gotlib had taught music to elementary students in Swampscott since 1999.

“She has touched the lives of hundreds of staff and thousands of students during that time,” Angelakis wrote. “Phyllis was both a kind and generous colleague, always greeting you with a smile and a kind word.”

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Gotlib had taught at Clarke, Hadley and Stanley Elementary Schools, which will all be closed Friday so students and parents can attend services.

Angelakis said cleaning crews were brought in to both schools to ensure doorknobs, railings and classrooms would be sanitized.

The cancellation was announced through a robocall to students and parents Wednesday.

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According to her obituary, contributions in her memory may be made to Massachusetts Humane Society, P.O. Box 850177, Braintree, MA 02185-0177 or via www.masshumane.org.0

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Cox Media Group