Leona Kuper

Leona Kuper (91), Bubbie to all, passed away December 9, 2020 surrounded by her family. Leona was born on December 29, 1928 in Minneapolis MN and was one of 8 siblings: Izzy Catcher, Sylvia Fredenberg (Bill), Harold Catcher (Sharon), Frances Grosnacht (Joe), Rachel Catcher, David Catcher and Sally Hersch (Sy), as well as a half-brother, Bernard Catcher. All 8 siblings grew up with their mother in a 2-bedroom house sharing 1 bathroom for all. Leona took on many jobs at a young age to help support her family. She babysat, worked in a movie theatre and went to trade school to become a beautician and often walked through the snow to attend school and to get from one job to another. It was in 1950 when she met the love of her life, Leon Kuper, a survivor of the Holocaust. Leon's brother Monty Kuper (Phyllis) was neighbors with Leona which is how the two came to meet each other. While Leon's English was not great, Leon and Leona found a language of their own to communicate, the language of love. After a very short period dating and experiencing way too much cold weather, Leon suggested a move to Houston, TX for warmer weather and they were off by train for a new life together. It was on that train ride where Leon proposed to Leona. They were soon married at a friend's house in Houston. Leona gave birth to her Daughter, Carol Neider (David) and Son, Stephen Kuper (Cathy) and took on the role of Mother with great pride. Her children's spouses were her children, and she, their mother. Anyone that knew her, knew that cooking was a passion of hers. Her kitchen was an assembly line of cookware and recipes ranging from matzah balls to kreplach, strudel and even homemade gefilte fish....filling the home with incredible smells. And when she wasn't cooking, she was engaged in playing cards with a tightknit group of friends. After cards, she also become a fan of bingo. Leona also established her role as Neighborhood Bubbie. She was the first to always help a neighbor in need. She even formed an entire relationship and bond with one of her neighbors that spawned a legacy of adopted family members which still lasts to this day in Bella, Jonathan, Naomi and Robin Chazin, of New York. Being a mother wasn't all that Leona loved. She proudly took on the role of Bubbie to Levi Strauss (Rachel), Jeffrey Kuper (Presly), Julie Kuper and Dustin Neider and Great Bubbie to Leo and Goldie Strauss as well as Brianna and Kaitlyn Neider. Anytime, there was a family affair, Leona was beaming with joy. She lived for family cruises, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and any simcha to be celebrated together. New friends and long-lasting impressions were always made by Bubbie Leona at these events. In her later years, Leona required some additional assistance and was blessed with wonderful caregivers, Mayra Palacios Mosqueda, Shirley Carcamo, Sara Sapoon and Nelly Mares. Their devotion to Leona's every need made her life comfortable and pleasant. Also, the family would like to thank her physician Dr. Kim Bloom, who was always there for her. Never hesitating to return our late-night calls and checking on mom in the hospital at all hours. It is with no doubt that Leona Kuper will be missed by so many. But the sounds of her laugh and her songs, the memories of her smile and humor and the feel of the warmth of her heart will fill her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends with love and remembrance to last lifetimes. In her honor, please make donations to The Houston Food Bank or Texas Children's Hospital - Pediatric Cardiology or Alzheimer's Association.

Leona Kuper

December 29, 1928 - December 9, 2020