Cora Federman

Our loving mom, grandmother, family member and friend, Cora Jane (Goldsmith) Federman, passed away peacefully on Jan. 28, 2018, surrounded by her loving children. Cora Jane was born on June 15, 1930, in Detroit, Mich., to Milton and Estelle (Oppenheim) Goldsmith. She graduated from Central High School (Detroit) and attended the University of Michigan. Cora Jane married Richard "Dick" Kaplan (aka Dick Carter, his radio persona) in 1950. They moved to Flint, Mich., and started a family with sons, Jeffrey and Michael. Tragically, Dick passed away in 1958 while Cora Jane was expecting with daughter, Rhonda. In 1959, Cora Jane married Edward Hyman. They enjoyed a beautiful life in Flint and brought two more children into the world, Marc and Judy. Sadly, Marc passed away in 1964 at the tender young age of 3. Subsequently, the family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in 1968 where Cora Jane lived a full life, between her husband, children and friends. Sadness returned, and Ed passed away in 1972. Cora remained strong for her children, but it was another tragedy that she was determined to overcome. Cora did find love again, marrying Jack Federman of Detroit in 1979. They enjoyed a beautiful life in West Bloomfield, Mich., and they were married until 1998 when Jack passed away. Cora always had a passion for life and a spirit that was always bright. She loved to play bridge and mah-jongg. Her children and grandchildren were her life and she made so many friends while continuing to stay close to all of them, no matter what city she lived in. She never met a stranger and has friends all over the country. She always had a smile on her face and a beautiful thought to share. She was a Realtor and became a very successful real estate appraiser - requested by other Realtors. She worked long hours and appraised some of the most beautiful homes in the Detroit area. She worked until she was almost 79. Cora Jane moved to Houston in 2009 so that she could be closer to her children and grandchildren. But, that didn't stop her from making more friends. Playing mah-jongg and bridge, volunteering at Holocaust Museum Houston and for Jewish Family Service, she also was a member of National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and the Houston Community Service Club. She loved having maj and bridge games at her apartment, and going out with friends brought her such joy. Being so close to Michael and Judy and her grandchildren, along with visits with them, meant the world to her. When her health declined, she moved to the Village of Meyerland in 2015, where she could add even more friends to her world. She brought maj and bridge games to the Village of Meyerland, while still enjoying friends from other neighborhoods. She loved all of the activities, as well as field trips. Cora Jane's children, grandchildren and friends were her world. She loved them with all her heart and everyone loved her. She will be missed and will remain in our hearts forever. She is survived by her children Jeffrey Abbott (Knoxville, Tenn.), Michael (Honi) Abbott (Houston), Rhonda Abbott (Collingwood, N.J.) and Judy Blake (Houston); and her four loving grandchildren, Steven (Rachel) Abbott, Meryl Abbott, and Jason and Ryan Blake. She is also survived by her sister, Sue Ann Abrahams of West Bloomfield, Mich., dear cousins and very, very close family members, Dee Fishman of West Bloomfield, Mich. and Sheila Phillips of Brentwood, Calif., along with many nephews and nieces. Services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, 11 a.m., at the Chapel, Beth Israel Memorial Garden Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr. Rabbi Adrienne P. Scott and Cantor Star Trompeter will officiate. Mom and the family were greatly appreciative of the support, care and love she received at the Village of Meyerland along with the palliative care that was most recently provided by Seasons Hospice. Mom believed so much in tzedakah and helping others. It would be appreciated if donations, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, can be made to Family to Family Network (familytofamilynetwork.org), which benefits children and young adults with disabilities, or the charity of your choice.

Cora Federman

June 15, 1930 - January 28, 2018