Fannie Weil

Fannie Weil passed away on January 25, 2016, 2 days before her 95th birthday, surrounded by her children. She was born to Dave and Rose Tartakov in Marquez, Texas in 1921. She was predeceased by her siblings, Julia Tartakov, Sol Tartakov (Beatrice), Della Smith (Henry), Cece Burgower (Joe), Milton Tartakov (Sally).Fannie moved with her family from Marquez to Houston when she was 3 years old and remained in Houston for life. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1938 and the University of Houston in 1942. She worked as a secretary for a large Houston accounting firm after college graduation. She was genuine, beautiful, and made friends easily despite her natural shyness. After World War II, at a friend's wedding reception, she met Carl Weil, a handsome, charming man from Dallas who had served as a U.S. Navy bomber pilot in the South Pacific. Less than 7 months later, Fannie and Carl married. Carl opened Carlsam's Jewelers, where Fannie worked part-time while raising their 3 children, Alan, Stephen, and Judy. Fannie and Carl were married for 52 years, marked by joys and celebrations with family and friends. After Carl retired, each of their children married, and their children's spouses were welcomed into the family. Judy married Dr. Barry Solomon, Stephen married Jane Burkey, and Alan married Karen Vogel. Nicholas, Fannie's and Carl's grandson by Stephen and Jane, was a source of smiles, laughter, play, and as he grew into a young man, of great pride. Hannah, Fannie's granddaughter by Alan and Karen, delighted Fannie with beauty, talent, and adventurousness. Fannie was a charter member of the Thursday Afternoon Bridge Club, a group of women friends who met for bridge weekly for more than 25 years. She was a lifetime member of Congregation Emanu El. Fannie became a self-sufficient, independent woman after Carl's death in 1998. She enjoyed going to the Coushatta casino with sister Cece. She lived alone but was never alone, maintaining daily contact with her children and son and daughters-in-law, and welcoming their visits. Fannie enjoyed time with her friends, including lifelong friends Leona Odensky and Jeanette Finger. She enjoyed dinners and get-togethers with her siblings and their families, with whom she was very close, especially with her sister Cece and her brother Mittie, to whom she spoke every day of their lives. When Cece passed away, niece Wendy Burgower took her place as Fannie's confidante. In 2010, at age 89, Fannie was stricken with a rare auto-immune disease that limited her mobility but fortunately did not affect her mentally. Fannie adjusted to her new wheelchair-bound reality with grace, humor and dignity. She remained in her home supported by loyal, dedicated caregivers, led by Jose Ramirez and Direne Lopez, and including Rick Ramirez, Adrian Jimenez, Eva Guzman, and others, who became part of Fannie's extended family. Despite her limitations, she maintained her sense of humor and remained socially connected with her neighbors, friends and family. She continued to go out to eat, especially to the New York Bagel Shop, and occasionally to the Menil Museum. She kept up with pop culture, the news, politics and insisted on voting in all elections. Our family is pleased that we were able to celebrate Fannie at a surprise 94th birthday party last year, attended by her dearest friend Leona Odensky, closest caregiver Direne Lopez, her children and their families, nearly every niece and nephew who came in from Austin, Wimberly, New York, Atlanta and Dallas, and her sole surviving brother- and sister-in-law. The many toasts and stories of love and comedy brought a big smile to Fannie's face. Special thanks to Fannie's doctors whose care exceeded all expectations, especially Dr. Igor Cherches. Thanks also to Dr. Chris Levesque, Dr. Stephen Lapin, Dr. James Bonar, Dr. Tim Doyle, and Dr. Elizabeth Hunsaker. Among family members, we extend heartfelt love and thanks to Fannie's nephew, Dr. Stuart Weil, for his generous love and advice. Fannie is survived by her children, Alan and Karen Weil, of Los Angeles, Stephen Weil, Judy Weil and Barry Solomon, of Houston; grandchildren, Nicholas Weil and Hannah Weil, of Los Angeles; first cousin Adele Wurzberg, of Delray Beach, Florida; nieces and nephews Stanley Tartakov, Sandy Kuehl, Sharon Smith, Rachelle Smith-Stallman, Barbara Hordern, Wendy Burgower, Jeff Tartakov, Leon Tartakov, Ron Pozmantier, Marvin Pozmantier, Susan Ablon, Dr. Stuart Weil, Rusty Weil, Peri Schenkler, Carolyn Zalta, Jodi Rosenberg, Dr. Mark Schenkler, Dr. Arnold Weil, Stan Weil, and Rachel Weil, all of whom Fannie cherished; and brother- and sister-in-law Bernie and Elaine Weil, of Dallas. Funeral services: Thursday, January 28, 2016, 11 a.m., at Emanu El Cemetery, 8341 Bissonnet, Houston. Charitable donations welcome to Seven Acres, the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Fannie Weil

January 27, 1921 - January 25, 2016