Barbara Dokell

Barbara Rolnick Dokell passed away on March 6th. She was born in Chicago, IL; not being born in Texas, she got here as fast as she could in 1957. Barbara is predeceased by her parents, Adelle and Jack Rolnick and sister, Helen Glazer. As a woman of many talents, one of Barbara's was sewing; she taught sewing at the JCC in the 1960's, which she derived so much pleasure from, along with sewing her own clothes which were both gorgeous and stylish. Another was her interest and appreciation of art that eventually led her to various areas, including the Art Committee of the JCC and fiber arts. Later on, Barbara became an avid collector of glass paper weights. As a member and officer of the Paper Weight Collectors Association of Texas, she thoroughly enjoyed attending their meetings in various towns in Texas, never failing to bring home new paper weights and stories of meeting glass artists. Traveling was a passion of Barbara's as well, being fortunate to have visited numerous locations throughout the country and the world. In the 1970's, Barbara developed a passionate interest in bodybuilding and delved into it with the greatest gusto, challenging and pushing herself to levels of strength that amazed all around her, even competing in and judging bodybuilding contests. She took great pride in being a "jock", showing her arm muscles while posing like Rosie The Riveter, along with being capable of bench-pressing enormous amounts of weight. Barbara was proud of having attended the University of Illinois at Champaign and remembered those years happily. If asked what career she would have chosen, she would have wanted to become an accountant or financial planner. Barbara ran her life and home as her business with a keen sense of what was financially the best viable choice along with her eye for detail. After facing a life threatening surgery for cancer, Barbara knitted thousands of caps throughout the last twelve years for chemotherapy patients. Because she was a survivor of such a rare form of cancer, Barbara was asked if she would speak to newly diagnosed patients, informing them about what they could anticipate regarding surgery, recovery and resuming a "normal life". With no hesitancy, she made herself available to any patient, whether in the decision process regarding having the surgery or after surgery. Barbara will always be remembered for her love of living, positive attitude and strength. While always glamorous and classy, she was larger than life to her friends and family. Despite facing huge obstacles in her life, Barbara continuously summoned the strength and a "can do" attitude to pull her through, extremely admirable qualities that her family will remember and carry with them in their lives along with their love and gratitude. Barbara will be deeply missed and forever loved. She is survived by her adoring and loving children: Elizabeth Segall and husband Mark, David Dokell and wife Carmen, and Michael Dokell and wife Susan. "Nanny's" grandchildren include: Arin and Ben Segall, Jack, Isabella and Lauren Dokell, and Jordan and Maxwell Dokell. Barbara was extremely fortunate to find love later in life with Lawrence Finger-he made her so very happy and was the love of her life. Along with relatives and longtime friends, Barbara is survived by her loving cousin, Alys Blumberg. The family wants to remember with heartfelt gratitude, Barbara's devoted and loving caretakers who were her angels-Yvonne Harmon, Rebecca Scott, Cassie Simmon and Tamatha Britton; many thanks to Tia Adava of St. Joseph Hospice for her care and compassion. Barbara will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 4:00pm at Congregation Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet, Graveside service will be led by Rabbi David Rosen, Rabbi Adrienne Scott and Cantor Daniel Mutlu. Barbara supported many charities helping Jewish causes and veterans. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to any charity would be an honor.

Barbara Dokell

March 6, 2016