Reena Z. Appelberg

Reena Z. Cohen Asnes Appelberg, of Sugar Land, TX died peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023, surrounded by her family. Reena was born on August 21, 1928, in Boston, MA to Hyman Cohen and Anna Sarah Hershkovitz. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph M. Asnes, son and daughter in-law Jeffrey Mark and Norma Vela Asnes and sister, Devorah Moten. Reena is survived by her beloved son William (Ellen) Asnes of Sugar Land, TX, grandchildren Jason Michael Asnes of Sugar Land, TX and Erin Nicole Asnes of The Woodlands, TX. She is also survived by great grandchildren Kayla Justine Mogensen of Seattle, WA and Joshua Mason Asnes of Sugar Land, TX; brother Harris Cohen and nieces Eileen Cohen, Barbara Cohen, and Charlotte Sheer, all of MA; Barbara Asnes of Maine; also, several great- nieces. Reena led a most interesting and active life. She was a life member of Hadassah; Temple Israel Sisterhood, Sharon, MA; Most Excellent Chief, Massapoag Temple #5, Pythian Sisters, Sharon, MA in 1957 and 1958. She moved to Houston in 1967 and lived there until 1983, when she moved to Fort Myers, FL. until moving back to Texas in 2003. She was an active member of Temple Beth El and the Jewish Federation in Fort Myers and was a volunteer for 8 years with the Lee Memorial Health System. Along with her husband, Carl Appelberg, Reena owned and operated the Scandinavian Furniture Center chain of furniture stores in both Houston and Fort Myers. Reena was known as “Renee Ames” during her professional singing career in Boston and Houston. She was also one of the first female paralegals in the country, first with the Houston law firms of Diamond & Totz and then Ross, Banks, May, Cron & Cavin, P.C. She was the first female Little League coach in the history of Sharon, MA and both her sons were members of her team. Reena’s family would like to thank the staff of Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care and Vantage Hospice for the tender love and care they gave to her in her final days. Graveside service and burial was held at the Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, TX 77055 on Thursday, April 20, 2023. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the charity of your choice.

Reena Z. Appelberg

August 21, 1928 - April 15, 2023