Elaine Kuper

Elaine Hofeller Kuper, age 100, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 in Houston, Texas. Elaine was born in Buffalo, New York on November 16, 1922. Her mother, Lorraine Hofeller (2nd generation BOI/Born on the Island – Galveston) and father Sigmar moved to his home of Buffalo shortly after they married. When Elaine was 3 and her sister, Marion was 1, they had enough of the cold winters and returned to Galveston. Moving “up” to Houston when Elaine was in middle school (junior high) at Lanier, the family became Houstonians. Elaine was a proud graduate of Lamar High School in Houston ISD, along with precious Jeanne (Franklin) Samuels. She was also proud that hers was the first class to go “all the way” through Lamar after it opened. She attended reunions with Jeanne, and was so excited with shovel in hand to break ground on the new school just a few years ago. Elaine worked after high school graduation in retail at the Fashion, then when her husband Harry returned from the Army Air Corps after WWII, she “retired” after her son, Thomas Hofeller Kuper was born. With funding from the GI Bill, they bought a 3 bedroom/1 bath home in Bellaire, where her fondest memories took her to the 40-plus children living on the “horseshoe-shaped street” Pamellia – so many children that Houston ISD had to build Gordon Elementary to accommodate them all! Memories of the wonderful families – especially the Bavousets—were always with her. Her bridge games with her Bellaire friends occupied her days. . Soon after daughter Laurie was born, Elaine and her dear friend Helen Blumberg were the first to volunteer and create Texas Children’s Auxiliary—her home away from home for 61 years. When she retired in her mid 90”s, Texas Children’s honored her by naming the Auxiliary offices for her. At the age of 100, Elaine gave an interview to USA Today to tell them all about “her hospital” – and she relived her friendship with David, the Bubble Boy and his mother. Her eyes filled with tears and her voice choked up when she spoke of David – and of the amazing cures that his young life afforded the doctors. Her friendship with her TCH friends, including dear Janine and husband Rene from The Netherlands continued all of her life. She was always so proud of her husband, Harry – and his amazing career with Sakowitz. Whenever she mentioned his name, she still cried, though he passed away in 2002 at the age of 90. He traveled extensively with Sakowitz, and on many trips to Europe, Elaine was there. Their travels took them all over the world. Elaine and Harry were lifelong member of Congregation Beth Israel, and she followed in her mother’s footsteps, teaching Sunday School for 25 years. Elaine had a full and wonderful life, as she and Harry traveled the world, but as her sister Marion, and friends Helen, Betty Claire, Rowena, Isabell and so many passed away, she missed her friends and her husband, Harry, though amazing “new best friends” were made. Her Thursday bridge games and luncheons occurred until the end. Very special thanks to Fannette, Helen, Dodi, Ruby and Evelyn. Special thanks also to neighbors Ginny and John Key – who were always there for Elaine and did so very much for her. These last several years, more than anything, she lived to see her daughter Laurie, grandchildren, Steven /Elizabeth Bricker, Susan/Anthony Taylor, Samantha/Jason Feld, and Alyson/Daniel Blotcky—and her 7 great-grandchildren, who were all together on her 99th and 100th birthdays---Bradford Taylor, Mia and Tova Feld, Brandon and Jayden Bricker, and Ashton and Elon Blotcky. She especially loved when Kobe Blotcky came to visit. That precious dog brought her such comfort and love. Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Sigmar (the Magician) and Lorraine Hofeller, her husband, Harry, and her wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Elia Levi, as well as other dear relatives and friends. She is survived by her son Thomas Hofeller Kuper, daughter Laurie Bricker and son-in-law, Jeff, loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, very special niece and nephew Elizabeth and Sam Smith, their son Ethan and fiancée Katie; nephew Bob and Sharon Levi, their daughter and son-in-law Audra and Jason Priluck, and their sons, Justin and Garrett. A very special thank you to Diana Morris, Felicia Wortham, Addie Scott and Carolyn Smith – much more than caregivers—who kept Elaine safe and happy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Texas Children’s Auxiliary, Give to Texas Children's - Texas Children's Hospital Ways to Give (www.texaschildrens.org) Congregation Beth Israel (www.beth-israel.org) or the charity of your choice. If you would like to donate to the family's shiva fund, Shiva fund info: Visit www.houstoncatering.com Click on shiva fund button and it will drop down. Click on shiva again. The first line that says name of family -Elaine Kuper. All other information on the form is that of the donors. You can also call, 713-257-9898 for assistance. A funeral service took place at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden, 1101 Antoine Dr. Houston, TX 77055.

Elaine Kuper

November 16, 1922 - September 26, 2023