Miriam Toubin

Miriam "Mimi" Toubin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many passed away on December 28, 2020, at the age of 86, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Mimi, the daughter of Helen and Harry Pasternak, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Brooklyn College. A two-week whirlwind courtship during a visit to Texas turned into a wonderful 62-year marriage with the love of her life, Leon. Theirs was a true partnership. Mimi was blessed with three children, Jeffrey, Robin, and Andrew, and their spouses, Fran, Brad, and Rachel, whom she always considered her children, as well. Her pride and joy were her "brilliant and beautiful" grandchildren Steven, Mollie, Sarah, Dani, Sam, and Peri, who affectionately called her "Mimi." She enjoyed a unique and close relationship with each of her children and grandchildren, and they will always cherish the special bond they shared. Although this native New Yorker quickly acclimated to rural Texas and thoroughly loved her life in Brenham, Mimi never lost her Brooklyn accent. She embraced "all things Texas," including a passion for The University of Texas at Austin, where she and Leon enthusiastically supported the UT Chancellor's Council and attended hundreds of Longhorn football games. Mimi served on the Board of Trustees of the Texas Jewish Historical Society and the Washington on the Brazos Historical Foundation. Mimi was proud to support the creation of Toubin Park in downtown Brenham, and she was instrumental in the effort to move the B'nai Abraham Synagogue, a Texas Historical Landmark, to Austin, where it is now a thriving Orthodox congregation. She and Leon shared a deep commitment to their Judaism and were active members and supporters of Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston. Mimi loved her dear friends in Brenham and always looked forward to spending time with the "Birthday Club" and her sewing group. Happiest in the company of her family and friends, she never missed a holiday or family celebration. Mimi was loved for being a loyal friend, attentive listener, and a wise, always-encouraging sounding board. The relationships she developed and maintained bridged generations and diverse backgrounds. Mimi truly lived her motto, "Age is just a number." We will miss her deeply. Mimi is also survived by her brother, Michael Pasternak and wife Maxine, brother-in-law Jim Toubin, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister-in-law Doris Toubin, and Leon's parents Rosa and Sam Toubin. The family wishes to thank Carla Herrera, Jose Ramirez, Dr. Michael Schlabach and physicians and nurses at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Graveside services will be held at B'nai Abraham Cemetery in Brenham on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mimi's memory to the B'nai Abraham Brenham Historic Synagogue in Austin (c/o 7300 Hart Lane, Austin, Texas 78731), the B'nai Abraham Cemetery in Brenham (c/o of P.O. Box 742, Brenham, Texas 77834), Camp For All Foundation (c/o 3701 Kirby Dr. Houston, Texas 77098), or a charity of your choice.

Miriam Toubin

December 22, 1934 - December 28, 2020