Phyllis Brown Sabin

Phyllis Brown Sabin, retired Managing Director of Matrix Midland at Midland Center for the Arts, died early Saturday, September 30, 2023, at StoryPoint in Midland, MI.& As a last performance, she entertained Lewy Body Dementia for multiple years.

She was born March 14, 1947, in Elizabeth, NJ to industrialist Chester M. and "village belle" Nelda P. Brown. Following graduation from Wells College in Aurora, NY, Phyllis leveraged her degree in art history to obtain a job within the food services division of the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, despite not knowing how to cook. As a benefit, Phyllis was able to ski at the resort for no additional cost.

It was during this time that Phyllis fell in love with the most handsome and charming man east of the continental divide. They were married. As reported by the New York Times the bride "wore an ivory silk crepe gown trimmed with re-embroidered Alencon lace. She wore an heirloom mantilla of matching lace and carried white orchids, stephanotis, and variegated holly." They were divorced in 1978 and Phyllis relocated to Midland. As single mother and only child, Phyllis and her son Matthew shared a special bond as they grew up together. Phyllis sacrificed much to the benefit of her son, for which he will be forever grateful.

Throughout her career at the MCFTA, Phyllis invited hundreds of performing artists to share their talents with the Midland audience. Whether author, musician, comedian, dancer, culinary artist, or animal tamer, Phyllis was able to combine art with science—or drama with current events—in ways that both enlightened us and touched our emotions.

Phyillis enjoyed fast cars with therapeutic throttle response. She exercised a sharp wit. She also enjoyed watching her grandson's sporting events. Although she never lasted through the entire game, she always arrived early for the warmups—once she knew the "sound check" was successful and the "talent" was on the stage, she was satisfied that her job was done.

Phyllis is survived by two loving and caring brothers, Stewart (Judy) Brown of Hilton Head, SC and Stephen (Johanna) Brown of Abingdon, VA. She is also survived by a son Matthew (Nicole) Sabin and three excessively adored grandchildren Henry, Charles, and Chester Sabin. Through God's grace she will be reunited with her unborn child in heaven.

A celebration of her life will take place October 28th at 5pm within the Midland Center for the Arts. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Lewy Body Foundation or the Midland Center for the Arts. Phyllis' family would also like to express our deep gratitude to the staff at StoryPoint Midland and CorsoCare Hospice. Thank you for your care and direction. Additionally, Bob Lofiego is the best friend in the world.

Lewy Body Dementia Association
912 Killian Rd. S.W., Lilburn GA 30047
Tel: 1-404-935-6444
Web: https://www.lbda.org/

Midland Center for the Arts
1801 W. Saint Andrews St., Midland MI 48640
Tel: 1-989-631-8250
Web: https://www.midlandcenter.org/