Obituary of Phyllis Shuldberg Johnson

Phyllis Shuldberg Johnson, beloved matriarch passed away peacefully on July 10, 2026 at the age of 97.

She was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 3,1929 and was the daughter of Rose and Arthur Berenson. Phyllis had an identical twin sister, Dianne Zlotnick Kirkpatrick. They were the best of friends until Dianne passed in September 2019. The twins also had three older brothers who proceeded her in death.

Phyllis being the older twin (by minutes) was very protective of Dianne. She was loyal and unwavering with anyone she felt was unkind to her sister. Truly being “identical” they loved to try and fool family and friends as to who was who!

In Junior High and Senior High School, they were known to “trade clothes” and then attend “English” or “Math” class for one another. They even went on dates with each other’s Boyfriends a few times. If they had made plans and then were asked out on the same night they would “stand in” for one another.

Later in life when they had their own children, the twins would try to “trick” their own children when they were all together until the children learned to discern their identities.

In December 1947, Phyllis married Dr. Arthur Shuldberg at the age of 18. They welcomed 4 beautiful children together. Unexpected tragedy would not let them watch their children start families of their own, as Arthur passed way too soon in 1972 from injuries suffered in a car accident.

She later married Robert (Bob) Johnson. They shared several years together and then decided to divorce. Phyllis married Bud Mosko; this marriage ended in divorce. Several years later she remarried Bob Johnson, affectionately known as “Pops" and shared many joyful occasions which included welcoming Grandchildren and Great grandchildren. They also enjoyed traveling the world together until his passing in July 2019.

Phyllis was a loving mother and family was her everything and all she’d dreamed of as a young girl. Because of this, she quickly became an unofficial surrogate mother and grandmother, to many people over the years. She was a mother who made her home a safe haven for her children and their friends helping guide many of them through turbulent waters while growing up.

Always available to listen, give a hug, and share her well-meaning advice with the best intentions and offering this when asked. She had remained friends with her only son’s widow and her daughters former husbands!

She was an extraordinary woman who defied expectations while balancing a busy life. Phyllis loved to knit and sew handmade clothing for her young children. For many years, she canned her own pickles, which were enjoyed by many. Baking Challah and banana bread were other favorite traditions. Her love of cooking and eating was shared with family and friends. Her fondness for “Chicago style” hot dogs, corn beef sandwiches and more pickles were a menu favorite. And not just at the holidays, she enjoyed Matzoh and Gefilte Fish!