Community leader Phyllis Alltmont service set for Wednesday, Feb. 18

PHYLLIS JANE ZIFF ALLTMONT, a community leader, whose life was defined by service, generosity and an unwavering commitment to her Jewish community passed away at her home on February 14, 2026. She was 78. 

PHYLLIS ALLTMONT

A lifelong leader and volunteer, she lived a life of service, always seeking ways to strengthen her community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She served in numerous leadership roles, including president of Touro Synagogue and president of the Jewish Community Center. She was president and an officer of the Newman Parents Association and chaired a Breast Center campaign for the Touro Infirmary Foundation, among many other contributions that reflected her deep commitment to helping others.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, she graduated from Tulane University and began her professional life as a high school English teacher at Grace King High School. She later spent more than 45 years at Gentry’s, where she became a trusted advisor, personal shopper, and an informal and free “therapist” to generations of New Orleanians who valued her honesty and care.

A devoted wife mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she was known for her extraordinary generosity and a sense of humor and honesty that were truly unmatched. She had a rare ability to live with both strength and compassion, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack Alltmont; her sons, Jeffrey Alltmont (Rachel), and Michael Alltmont (Ava); and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Kullman (Paul), and her sister-in-law, Marylynn Alltmont.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Touro Synagogue, 4238 St. Charles Ave. with a reception to follow. A private family graveside service will held at Hebrew Rest Cemetery III.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Touro Synagogue, Second Harvest Food Bank or Touro Infirmary allowing Phyllis’s memory to continue impacting the community she so dearly loved.