Phyllis M. Endreny, 56, an independent social research consultant and a former mass communications assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and an independent social research consultant, died Monday, Dec. 25, of complications related to hip surgery in Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center. Ms. Endreny was particularly interested in the mass media and politics and often wrote letters to the editor about her concerns. In 1988, she wrote to the Tribune about the lack of funding for higher education: “For one who believes passionately that a `mind is a terrible thing to waste,’ it is indeed painful to witness the ways in which we risk allowing too much potential brain power to remain fallow.” Ms. Endreny co-authored the 1993 book “Reporting on Risk,” which examined how the mass media portrayal of accidents, disease and disasters affects public opinion. “She clearly was in love with the media,” said her twin brother, Dr. Raymond Endreny. Ms. Endreny was also an active member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research and managed the organization’s annual book sale. A native of Pelham Manor, N.Y., she graduated cum laude from Smith College in North Hampton, Mass., in 1966. She received her doctorate in sociology from Columbia University, her brother said. Except for a stint at the University of Illinois in the late 1980s and early 1990s, she worked as an independent social researcher. Ms. Endreny is also survived by her sister, Corrine Kirchner. No memorial services were planned.
