Phyllis Polland Sallinger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on January 31, 2016. She is survived by her husband Don; children Mark, David Tolan, and Traci and Terry Davis; grandchildren Mitchell and Lee; siblings Dale and Joel Langer, Carolyn Helfman and Mary Beth Harrison; and many nieces and nephews.Phyllis was born in Chicago on October 28, 1940, to Reynold and Leola Polland. At the age of two she moved to Mt. Vernon, New York before making her way to Dallas, Texas at the age of 15, which became her permanent home. Shortly after her arrival in Dallas, she met her soulmate, Don, and they married at Temple Emanu-El in 1961. Their mutual adoration and respect for each other was one for the storybooks that will last for all eternity. She graduated from Hillcrest High School and attended the University of Texas and SMU.Phyllis had a zest for life, fully enjoying the journey and ensuring there was love and laughter throughout. She loved her children, relished in her grandchildren and adored her family and friends. When Phyllis made friendships, they were lifelong. From grandkids to friends, she thrived in partaking in their events, never missing a single activity of her grandchildren throughout the years. Whether it be a school play, baseball game, band event, or other school activity, she was there to cheer her grandkids on. She remained active throughout life, loving to play golf, board games, visiting the casinos (occasionally winning), solving puzzles and more. From early childhood throughout her life, her talents always shone through piano playing, creating beaded flowers, needlepoint and knitting. Perhaps, her greatest passion and wizardry, aside from her family, was her love of cooking, which she so freely shared with her family and friends. Whether it was preparing a simple meal for two or an elaborate gathering of 50, her kitchen was the heart of activity and conversation in the house.Philly/Mom/Ama or Phyllis, as she was known, will be sorely missed by all who love her with a void that cannot be filled.The family extends their gratitude and thanks for the care and kindness provided by her doctors and caregivers.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the American Cancer Society or to an organization near and dear to your heart. Phyllis' niece, Melissa Ellis, will be cycling in the Pan Mass challenge raising funds for theDana-Farber Cancer Institute in her memory (https://profile.pmc.org/ME0032).Services will be held at Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, Texas on Wednesday, February 3rd at 2:00pm. Graveside to follow. Minyon to be held at 15806 Bluefire Court, Dallas, Texas at 6:30pm.Please send the family condolences and share memories on this website.