Etta Leff Naman

Etta Leff Naman born January 20, 1919 died, Sunday, May 27, in Marietta, GA (Atlanta).  She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband Theodore Julian “Teddy” Naman (1916 – 1992); her revered parents Ben Fels and Rose Kline Leff, all of Houston, TX; sister and brother-in-law Annette and Sam Rosenfield of Austin, TX, and sister-in-law Selma Waldman Leff of Houston, TX. She is survived by her brother Bernard J. Leff of Houston, TX; her three children and their caring spouses, Susan Naman Garfinkel and Judge Paul Garfinkel of Charleston, SC; Stephen L. and Shari Weiner Naman of Marietta, GA (Atlanta); and Robert D. and Laura Trotter Naman of Kerrville, TX; and by her surrogate son Dr. Owen C. Grush and his wife Dr. Ellen Grush of Ashland, OR. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Eric Grush (Quintan Wikswo) and Emily Grush (Chris Cortez) all of Los Angeles, CA; Dr. Whitney Naman and Erin Naman Stieglitz (Graham) all of Atlanta, GA; and Sarah Naman Sandling (Zachary) of Austin, TX, Melanie Naman of St. Louis, MO, as well as the pride of her later years, her three great grandchildren Julian Zachary Sandling, Rhys Benjamin Stieglitz, and Michaela Rose Cortez, named in loving memory of her beloved husband, father and mother, respectively. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Born in Tyler TX she was a long time resident of Houston until leaving in 2006 to live in Charleston, SC and then to Alpharetta, GA (Atlanta) in 2011.  She was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and a member of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority.  In her youth she was a member of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, then later Congregation Beth Israel, and eventually Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism where she was a founding member, board representative and active in committees, sisterhood, and congregational activities for nearly fifty years.  She was a volunteer at Texas Children’s Hospital, a member of the Texas Panhellenic Council, a member of the American Council for Judaism, and participated in many civic and cultural activities.  She cared for her husband and mother during the latter years of their lives and was herself a cancer survivor. While not known for her housekeeping or culinary skills she loved to bake and was an astute worker of crossword puzzles, avid bridge and mahjong player, and prolific reader. She had a wry sense of humor, was witty and enjoyed a good joke, naughty or nice! Her family wishes to thank the many doctors and caregivers in Houston, Charleston and Atlanta who so professionally and compassionately cared for her during her lifetime. A visitation will be held at Houston Jewish Funerals, 5455 Dashwood, Bellaire, Texas 77401 on Monday, May 28, 2012 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 11:30AM in the Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX 77055.  Contributions may be made to the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism or a charity of your choice.

MAP TO CEMETERY: https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=woodlawn+garden+of+memories+houston+tx&fb=1&gl=us&hq=woodlawn+garden+of+memories+houston+tx&hnear=woodlawn+garden+of+memories+houston+tx&cid=0,0,14716033958564777195&ei=6JbDT5azEculsAKomcnTCQ&oi=local_result&ved=0CA4Q_BIwAA

Lillian Smith

Graveside services for Lillian Smith will be held at Adeth Isreal Cemetery, 4714 Airline Dr. in Houston, Texas  at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.

MAP TO CEMETERY: https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=adath+israel+cemetery+houston&fb=1&gl=us&hq=adath+israel+cemetery+houston&hnear=adath+israel+cemetery+houston&cid=0,0,6323670040442484643&ei=mpXDT7P4EeqFsgKd87DLCQ&oi=local_result&ved=0CAcQ_BIwAw

Margie G. Schwartz

Margie Goldin Schwartz passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 25 at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family.  She was a devoted and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  Margie was born in Latvia on November 9, 1919, and came to the United States in 1929 to Meridian, MS.  She married Albert Schwartz in 1946 and moved to Austin, TX where her first three children were born.  In 1954, they moved to Biloxi, MS where Albert joined her father and brother in the family scrap iron business.  It was there that they completed their family when their fourth child was born.  Finally settling in Dallas in 1974, Margie cultivated many friendships and became an avid bridge and mah jongg player.  Her last years were spent at Town Village North with her many friends.  Never forgetting her Jewish roots, she was a member of both Shearith Israel and Tiferet Israel as well as a lifetime member of Hadassah.  She was predeceased by her parents, Rubin and Bessie Goldin, her husband Albert Schwartz and her brother Jack Goldin.  The matriarch of a large family, Margie is survived by her four children: son Melvin (Nonie) Schwartz of Dallas, daughters Harriet (Ronnie) Bormaster of Houston, Marilyn Schwartz, and Arlene (Alan) Sandgarten, both of Dallas; 11 grandchildren; Jeff (Toni), Cary and Brad Schwartz, Ryan, Eric and Boaz (Shana) Bormaster, Greg, Brian (Micole) and Emily Schwartz and Adam and Marla Sandgarten; six great-grand children and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 pm on May 25 at Tiferet Israel Cemetery on Dolphin Road.  Rabbi William Gershon officiated.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Margie’s name to Shearith Israel, Hadassah, or the charity of your choice.

Ryan Joseph Nolte

Born March 30, 1993 – Passed Away May 19, 2012. A handsome, talented and loving son, he is survived by his Mother Linda Nolte, Step-Father Chris Sering, Grandparents Bobi Black, Peter & Charlotte Berkowitz, Aunts Barbara, Patsy, Cindy, Dannika & Lori; Uncles Mark, Ron & Matthew; Cousins Haley, Joshua, Miles, Tyler, Max & Allison and his beloved friends Gabriel Reyes & family, Derek Cook, Chirstian Maurice, Luis Posada, Ethan McMath & Zachary Nieto.

He loved playing video games, the violin, music, student court, his pets & hanging out with his friends.  He graduated from Allen High School in 2011 and was attending Collin College and worked at Tommy Hilfiger.  He will be missed terribly by all who knew him.  We will remember our beloved child as long as we live.

Services to be held at Temple Emanu-El, in the Lefkowitz Chapel, Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 11:00 am. Temple Emanu-El located at 8500 Hillcrest in Dallas, TX 75225 at the North East corner of Hillcrest Road and Northwest Highway.

David Rothman

Legend has it that the “great” David Rothman was born “in a veil” on January 4, 1915.  And so it is fitting – even perfect - that on May 19^th 2012 our beloved David passed away on the Sabbath to join his fiery sweetheart Esther Goldien Rothman.  Be assured they carry on their long lived love affair elsewhere. David is survived by his daughter, Ellen Richie and husband Sheldon, daughter Gaye Rothman and husband James Borgstrom, and daughter Robyn Rothman and husband John Stevenson; 7 cherished grandchildren and 2 adoring great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, May 20^th 2012, 3:00 PM at Emanu El Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or The Jewish Federation of Houston.

Robert L Fleischer

 

Robert L Fleischer passed away at the age of 87.  Born in St Louis, MO on June 20, 1924 to Harry and Bertha Littauer Fleischer.  In 1944 Bob was drafted and entered into Air Corps Flying Cadet Class 34, he proudly went on to become a Bombardier until his discharge in 1949.  He then graduated from Northwestern on the GI Bill.  Bob met the love of his life, Ruth, at the St Louis J while on leave.  They were married a year later.  Bob moved his already budding family to Houston in 1955 where he became an entrepreneur of more than 4 successful businesses.

Bob's unconditional love will be missed by all.  He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth, and his children who adored him; Barbra and Jeff Hass, Linda Fleischer, Debra and Rick Butler, Mindy Fleischer.  He is also survived by his grandchildren who were the pride of his life; Jason Hass and wife Michelle, Jeremy Hass and wife Alma, Kim Beadling, Celia and Lindsay Butler, Rachel, Cory, Michael and Hailey Mescon, and 7 great-grandchildren.  Bob also leaves behind numerous friends and extended family.

Graveside services will be held Monday, May 21, 2012,  1:00p at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.

Shirley Fisher

Shirley Kaplan Fisher, 87, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2012.  A native of Chicago, she was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life, Lester, and her brother, Ernie Kaplan.  She is survived by her brother Herman Kaplan of San Diego, her brother and sister-in-law, Irv and Orah Kaplan of Tel Aviv; her sister-in-law Gerry Kaplan of Chicago, her children Jay and Diane Fisher of San Antonio, Lynn and Lenny Krasnow of Dallas, Susan Upshaw of Austin, Bill and Donna Fisher of Seattle; eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. 

Shirley was the consummate and dedicated teacher, attending the University of Chicago and Spertus College of Jewish Studies and earning her Master’s degree from the University of North Texas.  In addition to her extended family, she loved Judaism and especially teaching Hebrew, a passion she continued until the time of her death.  Her greatest joy and honor was being called to read from the Torah each year for the Yom Kippur service at her beloved Temple Emanu-El.  She had a great appreciation for classical music and loved singing with her many friends in the Temple Emanu-El choir.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 17, at 2 p.m. in the Lefkowitz chapel  at Temple Emanu-El,  8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to support the Hebrew program at Temple Emanu-El or the charity of your choice.

Esther Goldy Gamache

Esther Goldy Gamache, December 8, 1919 to May 14, 2012.

A wondrous woman and mother.  Survived by sons: Dr. Allan Jarrell Soffar and Diane; William D. Soffar and Gail Shinbaum; and Charles E. Soffar and Rosalyn.  Grandchildren: Pamela B. Soffar, Stephanie M. Spett and Eric; Jill D.Byrd and Russ; Kerry Kaplan and Scott; David Soffar; Jonathan Soffar, Victor Koosh and Ale; Vincent Koosh and Margaret Rosato; Great-grandchildren: Eli S. Spett, Sadie L. Spett, Isabella Koosh, Brayden  D. Kaplan and Nathan Koosh.

Esther was incredibly bright, able, strong and so very wise.  She was a cookie and cake baker extraordinaire.  She was a woman of inestimable goodness, kindness and wisdom.  Widowed at age 43, she saw to the education of her three sons – 7 college degrees among them and each degree “was part hers”.  She was known for her years of volunteer work in service to others.

Mom was loved by all and will be so very much missed.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 16, 1:00p at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.

Ana Varon

Ana Varon died May 11, 2012. Services are being held Monday, May 14, 2012 at 12:30pm in the Gordon Chapel of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX. Burial to follow at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 1037 N. Post Oak, Houston, TX. 

Stuart "Dodo" Levinson

Stuart Alan "Dodo" Levinson died on Friday, May 11, 2012 at the age of 91.  Stuart was born across the street from the old Tiger Stadium in Detroit Michigan on October 29, 1920, to Lew and Blanche Levinson. His early years were filled with a passion for chemistry, singing and horseback riding. He attended Wayne State University in pursuit of a science degree. His education was interrupted by WWII when he enlisted and served in the Pacific Theater under General McArthur. Stuart spent the war on Guadalcanal, New Guinea and finally the Philippine Islands. Following the war, he completed his undergraduate work at Wayne State obtaining degrees in chemistry, music and geology. In an undergraduate geography class, he met a beautiful and very bright student, Sylvia Spector, who became the love of his life. With his new bride, Stuart continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Geology and a PhD in Paleontology. Stuart knew he wanted to apply his paleo knowledge to oil exploration and Houston was, even in the 1950’s, the oil capital of the world.  Humble Oil and Refining Co. (Exxon) was creating a research department and Stuart came to Houston determined that he would be a part of it. He was hired on the spot and the Levinson family became official Texans. Stuart remained at Exxon for 35 years. Stuart helped develop the science of paleontology as a methodology for discovering the presence of oil.  He was a an active member of the Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralologists, The Paleontological Society, The American Association of Petroleum Geologists and The Geological Association of America.  As a founder of the Gulf Coast Section of the Society of Sedimentary Geology, Stuart was awarded it's Distinguished Service Award. Early on, Stuart recognized the impact that personal computing was about to have on the world and he was responsible in large part for pushing Exxon into that frontier. He was given one of IBM’s first personal computers to beta test and he subsequently became fluent in the day’s computer languages. He actively wrote oil exploration related programs used by not only Exxon, but other major oil companies throughout the world. Following his passion for science, Stuart became immersed in the study of wine and winemaking. He became a respected teacher on the subject in venues throughout Houston including the JCC where his classes were always full and fun.  It allowed him to apply his knowledge of chemistry and geology to explain in simple terms to his students the effects of soil, climate and the chemistry of converting grapes into wine and spirits. Stuart was a long time member of Congregation Emanu El and chaired the religious school committees of both Emanu El and the Houston Jewish Federation. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sylvia; sister Shirley Goldstrom of Detroit; son Larry and wife Gail Levinson, son Rick and wife Lynne Levinson of Austin, and daughter Vicki and husband Keith Novorr of Kansas City;  grandchildren Dana and Ken Persky, Amy and Adam Siegel, Michael Novorr, Josh Novorr and Jake Levinson; great-grandchildren Bryan and Jason Persky and Ethan Siegel. Funeral Services will be held at the Emanu El Cemetery, 8341 Bissonnet, on Sunday, May 13 at 3:00 PM, Roy Walter officiating.   Pallbearers are Stuart Jacobson, Jake Levinson, Josh Novorr, Michael Novorr, Ken Persky, Jay Peters, Adam Siegel and William Spitz.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Stuart’s memory to the Jewish Family Service of Houston, or a charity of your choice.

Helen Spack Levy

Helen Spack Levy passed away May 8, 2012, surrounded by her children.  She was 78 years old.  She was preceded in death by her much beloved parents, Eva and Dave Spack, her brother, Sol Felman, sister-in-law, Marge Felman and brother-in-law, Barney Kurz.  Helen was born on July 10, 1933 in Kansas City, Missouri.  She grew up surrounded by her large family who she remained close to her entire life, even following her move to Houston.  Truly family was her life and she cherished every moment of family togetherness.  In 1954 she married Myron Levy and they were married 58 years.

 Helen's engaging spirit, abundant energy and bright smile will be missed by everyone she encountered.  The thoughtfulness she showed on a daily basis made her well loved by all who knew her.  Bubie Helen was considered to be everyone's Bubie (grandmother), especially the many friends and family of her children and grandchildren who loved being around her.  Even during the hardest times, she radiated warmth and always mustered up an unforgettable smile.

 Helen is survived by her loving husband, Myron, and her children who adored her, Mitch and Diane Levy, Bruce and Linda Levy, Brad and Malka Levy.  She is also survived by her grandchildren who were the pride of her life, Rachael, Tracy, Dana, Haya, Alexandra, Joshua and Sean Levy.  Helen leaves a large and loving family in Kansas City and Houston including Elaine and Gerald Kisluk, Morton and Leta Spack, Rachel Kurz, Marlene Capito, Carol Brooks, Sally and Gordon Slabotsky, and Alice Bordy.  She also leaves behind numerous cousins, friends and a huge extended family. 

 Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:00 AM at the Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.  Donations in her memory can be made to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, The Gathering Place fund, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096 or Hadassah, The Rosalie Goldberg Neo-Natal Unit, 4654 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77096.

Helene E. Feder

Helene Estelle Feder, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, May 7, 2012 in Plano.  She was born to Isador and Elsie Silverman on September 21, 1921, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.  She had been living in the Dallas area since 1980.

Helene was a Professor of Language Arts.  In the 1940’s, she was instrumental in the development of the English as a Second Language program in Austin, TX – long before ESL was popular.  She also translated the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes from English to Spanish.  Her book was published, and is housed in the Library of Congress.

Helene was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, Herbert and Arthur Silverman.  She is survived by her two daughters, Diane and Carolyn; her brother, Stanley Silverman of Arlington, VA; her granddaughters, Alex Gordon (and husband Kevin); Suzanne Arwady (and husband Michael); and Sharon Bell (and husband Derek); and her great grandchildren, Natalie Gordon, Ryan Gordon, Brandon Arwady, Kristina Arwady, and Ashlyn Bell.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, May 9 at Mt. Zion Garden of Restland Memorial Park.  Rabbi Nasanya Zakon will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helene’s name to the Disabled American Veterans organization in Dallas.

Philo Herbert Pesses

Philo Herbert Pesses, beloved father, uncle, grandfather and friend, passed away at age 76, on May 7, 2012.  Philo served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during Korea.  After serving his country, he became a successful small business owner and finished his career as Chief of Police in Surfside Beach, Texas.  Survivors include his daughters and sons Deborah, Michael and wife Shelly, Michele, Philip and wife Kelli, David and wife Miranda.  He will be greatly missed by his sister Phyllis Joachim, husband Samuel and daughter Nora who cared for him in the last few years of his life.  He is also survived by many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, Texas 77055.

Stanley Marvin Krost

 

Stanley Marvin Krost, 86, a loving father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday, May 4 2012.  Stanley was born in Detroit, Michigan. Predeceased by loving wife Sonia Ruth Gelfand Krost , his parents Minette and Samuel Harry Krost and brother Roland Krost. Stanley is survived by his children Michael and Sharon Krost of Houston and Dr. Marvin and Sherri Krost of Plano, Texas and grandchildren Amy Krost, Justin and Melissa Krost, Kelley and Michael Krost, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Sissy Gelfand and nieces and nephews.

Stanley graduated high school in Detroit and attended the University of Houston, as well as The School of Dry-cleaning Technology. Stanley served in the US Navy in the Second World War aboard the USS Wasp. Stanley proudly owned Jennings Cleaners and Professional Drapery Cleaners. Stanley was a Shriner and a Master Mason in Good Standing.

Stanley was devoted to his wife Sonia for 57 years of marriage. Sonia and Stanley attained many friends through their years of travel all over the world, avid tennis playing with Sonia as his doubles partner, snow skiing and boating. Stanley was the past –president of their “couples club” called the Ski-A-Go-Go Club. Following Sonia’s death in 2010, Stanley lived out his last years as a resident of Belmont Village.

Stanley was a devoted husband and a caring, kind, quiet and gentle father and grandfather. Sonia and Stanley rarely separated throughout their 57 years together. The family would like to thank The Belmont Village Staff and Katie Marie Murray, his dear friend and caretaker.

Now, Sonia and Stanley are finally together again. Their love is eternal.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 , 3:30 PM at Yeshurun Cemetery on Allen Parkway. Rabbi Brian Strauss will officiate.

Donations can be made in Stanley’s memory to Beth Yeshurun Schools or Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.

Harold Leonard Kaminsky ("Cookie")

Harold Leonard Kaminsky (“Cookie”),76, passed away May 3, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Cookie was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and moved to Houston when he was a baby. As a child, Harold was nicknamed and known to many as “Cookie”. He graduated San Jacinto High School in 1954 and went on to The University of Texas to graduate in 1958. Upon graduation, Harold entered the inaugural training program at Foley ’s department store in Houston and went on to a respected 26 year career retiring in 1985 as a Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager over Men’s and Children’s. Cookie was not content with an early retirement and became a real estate broker until he united with Walter Pye, Jr., a long time friend and colleague, to work together at Walter Pye’s and subsequently collaborate on several retail ventures, including Pinto Ranch, his pride and joy. Harold was passionate about his loved ones, his friends, and his love of retail, tennis, hiking, skiing and traveling. Harold was an early member of The Houston Racquet Club where he was a member for over 40 years. A few of his greatest loves were his Sunday tennis “bagel bunch”, regular lunches with his fellow San Jacinto alumni and longtime close friends, and skiing “blues” for the first time at age 62. He was understated but well respected and loved as larger than life. Tried and true was Harold’s hallmark and he leaves behind a legacy of trust, respect, and lasting friendships. Harold was predeceased by his mother, Rachel and his father Sam. He is survived by his wife, Fran, and children, Richard Kaminsky, Eric Kaminsky, Jill and Neal Kaminsky, Pam and Brad Diebner, Jill Levy and Matt Silverman, his grandchildren, Sam Kaminsky, Joshua Kaminsky, Kate Kaminsky, Evan Diebner, Jason Diebner, Nava Silverman, Miri Silverman, and numerous other family members. A special thank you to each of Ms. Bernice Hodges and Ms. Lisa Williams for their compassion, care and love for Harold during his time of need. Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut, Houston, Texas, on Sunday, May 6, 2012 with burial at Beth Yeshurun Cemetary Allen Parkway. Honorary pallbearers included Marvin Kaminsky, Rik Kaminsky, Stephen Kaminsky, Vic Shainock, Walter Pye, Jr., Bob Oliver, Alan Finger, Lanny Glick, Bubba Silberstein, and Mike Novominsky. Donations may be made in Har- old’s honor to Houston Hospice, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Helen Lerner Topek

Helen Lerner Topek passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012. She was born in Galveston on August 15, 1916 and graduated from Ball High School. She was among the first women of her generation to leave home for college attending and graduating from Texas Women's University in Denton, after which she was a practicing hospital dietician. She met and married D. Aaron Topek and moved to Houston following their marriage in 1940. They were married for 66 years until his death in 2007. For many years she served as a board member of Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Center and was among the founding supporters of Beth Yeshurun Day School. She was a life member of Hadassah, AMIT, Beth Yeshurun Sisterhood and United Orthodox Sisterhood. She was an active synagogue member of both Congregation Beth Yeshurun and United Orthodox Synagogue. Survived by her beloved children, E. Stanley and Barbi Topek, Marsha and Ted Bogart, Fredell and Allan Shulkin; cherished grandchildren, Alissa and Michael Nadata, Seth and Lauren Topek, Rabbi Jared and Tammy Topek, Susan and Alan Sweet, Philip and Rivka Bogart, Anne and Gavin Kam, Zev and Dana Shulkin, Sarah and David Pailet, Frankie Shulkin; special great grandchildren, Abby, Dovid Aharon, Leora, Ariella, Nora, Ella, Elisheva, Aviva, Yitzi, Eli, Izzy, Yakira, Miriam, David Aaron, Tova, Zander, Daphne Erin; brother, Sonny Lerner and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services will be held at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery on April 30, 2012 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Dr. Aaron Kastner, M.D.

Doctor Aaron Kastner,  beloved husband, father, uncle and friend, passed away at age 87, on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012. He is survived by wife Sara, daughter Linda, son Steven, and sister Bess. He had many nieces, nephews, and cousins, whom he adored and who adored him. In addition, he survived two wonderful brothers Jake and Sid.

Doctor Kastner was a family physician in Ottawa, Canada for twenty five years. In 1977 he opened a practice in Mesquite, Texas. He practiced in the Dallas area for twenty years. In his over forty years practicing medicine, he delivered hundreds of babies, and took care of children and adults. He also served as the physician for a number of nursing facilities.

He had a wealth of friends with whom he interacted. His favorite activities and interests included music, opera and musicals. He loved many card games. He was an accomplished duplicate bridge player, earning a Life Master certification.

Doctor Kastner will be greatly remembered  and missed by all of us whose lives he touched.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in the Beth Torah section in Dallas, TX.

Shiva and Minion services will be held Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the family's residence begining at 7:30 pm each evening. For address and directions to the home, please contact the family by email:hexguitar@gmail.com.

Wilma Erika Miron Leopold

Wilma Erika Miron Leopold passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012.  Wilma was born January 18, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan.  She received her B.A. and M.A. in English and Russian Studies from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Wilma was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Wilma Leopold was a Teaching Fellow, one of four faculty members, in the Russian Department at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the 1950's.  After moving to Houston in 1962 when her husband, Louis, an Aerospace Engineer joined NASA, Wilma continued her work as an educator, serving as a substitute teacher and later working for the University of Houston.  

Wilma's love of learning and thirst for knowledge continued into her retirement through her travels, reading, and participation in continuing education.   

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Louis Leopold, in 2011, her son, Robert, in 2011, and her brother Robert Miron of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, in 2005.  She is survived by her son Laurence (and wife Alexandra) of Atlanta, Georgia and her daughter in law, Lisa Leopold, of Pembroke Pines, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures or the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Graveside services will be held Sunday, April 22, 2012 at noon in Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77074.

Karri Jean Webb Faigen

RECORDING OF SERVICE

Karri Jean Webb Faigen passed away on April 14, 2012.  Karri was born in Charleston, West Virginia on June 13, 1959. She graduated South Charleston High School in 1977. A member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, she attended Ohio University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Psychology and business degree in 1981.  Karri moved to Houston, where she attended the University of Houston Law Center and graduated in 1986.

Karri had an amazing career as a dedicated and accomplished civil trial attorney.  She began as an Associate at Giessel, Stone, Barker and Lyman (later “Barker Lyman”), where she worked her way up to Shareholder.  She loyally and tirelessly served the firm and its clients her entire career.  Karri was known for taking on complex legal issues.  Her peers elected her to the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).  She was active in the Women of ABOTA, and Karri was rated a “Pre-Eminent Attorney” by the independent organization, Martindale Hubbell.  She was named a “Super Lawyer” by Thompson-Rueters in 2006.

Karri married Mark Steven Faigen in 1998 and together they produced what Karri proclaimed as her “greatest achievement” their son Liam Kenneth Faigen, on April 30, 1999.

Karri was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Webb and sisters, Kathryn Jane Webb and Kelly Webb Seaver.  She is survived by husband Mark Steven Faigen; son, Liam Kenneth Faigen; mother, Barbara Jane Webb; sister, Kris Webb; and “Aunt Jo”, Josephine Stanley, as well as many other family members, friends and colleagues. 

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 4:00 PM in the Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Karri’s name to a charity of your choice or CanCare.org or the Chaplaincy Fund at Jewish Family Service, 4131 S. Braeswood, Houston, Tx 77025.

Harriet Becker

Surrounded by her family, Harriet Becker lived until April 12, 2012. 

Above all, Harriet was always all about the family.  Her greatest pleasure was being with, talking to or talking about her children, grand children and great grand children.  With the blended family of her 3 daughters and Berny’s 3 sons, she somehow coordinated a myriad of family events including a fabulous family vacation cruise with 26 people from 3 generations.

Harriet was an amazing advocate for quality of life.  With Berny, she lived life to the fullest.  She travelled, danced, played Mah Jong, enjoyed movies, shows and entertainment.  If there was an event or trip planned, Harriet & Berny were sure to go.    

But it wasn’t just about the fun in life.  Harriet was actively involved in many community activities and organizations.  From Temple Sisterhood to Couples Clubs, Marriage Encounter and Book Clubs, Harriet always stepped up, never staying on the sidelines.  She wrote for the resident newsletter when she lived at the Bonaventure and prior to moving to The Legacy at Willow Bend and especially once there, she was an outspoken campaigner with ideas for her new home and everyone that lived there.  Her involvement included many philanthropic gifts and hours upon hours of volunteer work.  She always made the time to see residents in the other areas at The Legacy and visit and support her friends in need.

Because of her interests and genuine caring for others, Harriet leaves behind a host of friends, some she has known since first moving to Dallas.  Harriet was one of the first to welcome new neighbors to The Legacy.  She & Berny were usually the last to leave the dining room because the meal always included visits around to greet her friends.  Eating and laughing were two of her favorite pastimes.

Harriet was born in New Haven, CT in 1932.  Dallas has been her home since 1958, when she moved here with her husband David Jarcho and daughter, Gayle.  She and David had two more daughters, Shelley and Lynn before moving to England for two years in the early 60’s.  Sadly, she was widowed in 1969.  She went to work as a sales rep for divisions of National Chemsearch and remained with them until she retired after 25 years.  Happily, she found love again with Berny Becker, who came with three sons, Marc, David, and Bill.  Harriet and Berny were married in 1974 and remained inseparable for 38 wonderful years. 

Harriet is survived by her beloved Berny (Bernard) Becker, children Gayle & Paul Rose, Shelley & Ben Fox, Lynn Jarcho, Marc & Jenne Becker, David Becker, Bill & Malyn Becker, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, special nephew, and niece, Stuart & Bonnie Parker and many, many friends and extended family.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, April 15, 2012, Temple Emanu-El Cemetery, 3430 Howell St., Dallas.  Memorials may be made to the Jewish Family Service, Dallas, the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.