Linda Lopen

Linda Arlene Lopen , 63, died Tuesday, June 16, 2015, in Houston, after losing a long battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Mina Lopen. She leaves her sister, Denise Kurt, and her brother-in-law, Walter Kurt, Walter's parents, Charles and wife Sarah, Walter's brother Paul Kurt, wife Karen, and their children, Michael Kurt and fiancee Alisha Huettig, Christina Kurt, Adele Brunson and husband, Parker, as well as her paternal aunt, Francis Fine, cousins Matthew Fine, David Komiss and wife Ricki, their daughters, Kelli Kelly and Jamie Komiss Fishman, cousins Eric Selcov and wife Karen, and cousins Ira Forman, wife Audrey, and cousins Phyllis Drobner and Harriet Drandoff. She will also be greatly missed by her friends at Celebration Company, and her loving caregivers at Sean Ashley House. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida. Linda was raised by parents whose faith was important to them. She shared their love of Judaism, and attended religious school at Temple Beth-El, where her mother was the Religious School Director. Linda was confirmed at Beth-El, and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1969. She was a member of the first graduating class to attend all three years there. She also attended St. Petersburg Junior College. After her mother passed in 1993, Linda provided full-time loving care to her father. After his passing in 2000, Denise and Walter moved her to Houston, where she started a new life. Linda began to work for Crabtree and Evelyn, and enjoyed greeting and assisting customers. The manager, Ruth Ward, was very kind and accommodating to Linda, who continued to suffer from health concerns. Linda was very disappointed when the store closed their doors, but Ruth assured Linda that she was a valued employee, who was liked by everyone. Since continuing to learn about her faith was so important to her, Linda began to attend adult education classes at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, where she met and befriended Rabbi Strauss. She decided to become a member of his first Adult B'nai Mitzvah class. Linda's poise and beautiful voice during the service was a joy to behold. Linda also enjoyed Celebration Company, a Jewish-based day-hab. She discovered that she was a talented painter, and photographer, and had her work proudly displayed in the JCC, a local gallery, as well as her sister's home and office. Due to Linda's increased need for assistance, she became a resident at Sean Ashley House, where she was cared for by a dedicated and devoted staff, who treated her like family. Whenever she was hospitalized, someone was always by her side, to comfort her. They also supported Denise and Walter through Linda's ups and downs. Even though her health issues were many, her ability to look beyond her limitations and face life head-on was unparalleled. She impressed countless people throughout her life with her effervescent personality and engaging manner. She was the light of our lives, and we will be forever grateful to have had her grace us with her presence. Funeral services will be held at Congregation Beth Yeshurun on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 9:30 am, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 pm at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one (or more) of the following: Rabbi Strauss' Discretionary Fund, Celebration Company, or Sean Ashley House.

Linda Lopen

October 30, 1951 - June 16, 2015