Thelma Kogut Harwood

Thelma Kogut Harwood (Tamar bat Shlomo v Devorah Leah), age 90, passed away peacefully January 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving daughters. Thelma was born in Galveston, Texas on February 28, 1933, to Solomon and Dora Kogut. At a very young age Thelma would discover a passion for books and reading and she would always have a book with her wherever she went. She used to say that she read everything that the Galveston Public Library had to offer. At the age of seven, Thelma picked up her first tennis racket and discovered that she had a talent and love for the game. Tennis would become a lifelong passion for her and she accumulated many trophies. As a young Texas State Champion, a member of the University of Texas tennis team, Chancellor’s Raquet Club and the Jewish Community Center she continued to play and win into her seventies. In addition, Thelma was an accomplished pianist, artist and interior decorator. After growing up in Galveston and moving on to the University of Texas in Austin, she went for a visit to Houston to see friends and met the love of her life, Seth Harwood of San Antonio, Texas. Thelma and Seth’s first date occurred at a U of H dance and they continued their love affair and dancing for 68 years, briefly living in Austin, Texas and finally settling in Houston. Thelma and Seth had many lifelong friends with whom they socialized and travelled with on vacations and cruises. They were active in the B’nai Brith bowling league, fundraising for City of Hope and the Westbury Lion’s Club. They also played poker, mahjong and bridge on a regular basis. One would think that with all of these activities, Thelma would not have time for much else and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Thelma worked very hard to help support her family for many years. While raising three daughters, Thelma worked full time as an executive assistant for many prominent engineering and oil and gas firms, ultimately retiring from Enron. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and soulmate, Seth, brother & sister-in-law, Reuben & Estelle Kogut, and her grandson OBM, Matthew Amarant. Thelma is survived by her children Sherry Harwood, Annette & Kenny Rosen, and Cynthia Beck; her grandchildren Andrew & Michelle Rosen and great grandson Azariah, grandson Michael Rosen and grandchildren Ian and Alana Beck, whom she loved very much and who will miss her “sugar”. The family wants to express their gratitude to the wonderful staff at The Medallion for the love and care they have shown to Thelma during the brief time she resided there. The family requests donations be made to The Medallion, JCC Meals on Wheels program and Twist Out Cancer, or the charity of your choice. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 7445 Awty School Ln., Houston, TX 77055. A Shiva visitation will be held at Annette and Kenny’s home from Saturday evening, after Shabbat, until Wednesday night. The family welcomes you on Saturday evening from 8-10 PM, Sunday-Wednesday from 12-2 PM, and again Sunday-Wednesday from 7-9 PM.

Thelma Kogut Harwood

February 28, 1933 - January 24, 2024