Shirley Seline Pomerantz Cooper

Shirley was the daughter of Isaac Pomerantz and Dorothy Goldstein Pomerantz. She grew up in a warm Jewish home, rich in love, family, and hospitality. She lived her entire life in Houston. Shirley was the sister of Seymour Pomerantz, who she remained close to until her death, and Caroline, who died in infancy. She grew up at Congregation Adath Yeshurun, which later became Beth Yeshurun. She was either the first girl, or one of the very first, to become Bat Mitzvah in Houston, and Judaism remained a vital part of her life. She was active in BBG as a girl, even going by train to a national convention. As an adult, Shirley was active in BBW, ZOA, Hadassah, and other Jewish organizations and was one of the early supporters of CYJ. Shirley graduated from San Jacinto High School and decided to become a nurse. That was not a typical choice for a “nice Jewish girl”, but she mastered the program and was a compassionate nurse. Not long after, she met and married Leon Cooper, a Holocaust survivor who had recently arrived in Houston. They were a true team and were married for just shy of 60 years when he died. They worked together at Houston Pecan Company. She accompanied Leon on his many speaking engagements. They had two daughters, Tobi and Cindy. Despite numerous health challenges, Shirley was always a warm, welcoming, and loving person. Her generosity to her daughters’ friends was well-known. She maintained these and many other friendships throughout her life. Most importantly, Shirley loved and supported her family. She loved Tobi and Cindy, and their husbands, Rabbi Danny Horwitz and Dr. Mark Saper. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Dina & Joey Carr, Rabbis Sarit Horwitz & Abe Schacter-Gampel, Shaye Horwitz, Eliana Horwitz & Aaron Sklar, Eli & Abby Sapir, Daniel Saper, and Noam & Rachel Saper. Each time a grandchild was born, in her eyes, they were the most beautiful baby in the world. Shirley is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Emmy and Talia Carr; Lavi, Yakir, and Rami Horwitz; Emunah, Yehudah, and Netanel Sapir; and Zev and Ayelet Saper. In addition, Shirley is survived by her brother, Seymour, and his wife, Martha, and their four children. She is also survived and missed by her first cousins Estaline Katz, Milton Harris & Abby Sivan, and Sandy & Renee Goldstein. Shirley remained close to her many relatives throughout her life, as well as Leon’s relatives. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the Freedman-Levit Sanctuary at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, 4525 Beechnut Street, Houston, Texas 77096. Immediately following the funeral service, a graveside service will take place at Beth Yeshurun Allen Parkway Cemetery, 3502 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019. A livestream of the funeral service at 2:00 pm is available at the following link: https://www.bethyeshurun.org/freedman-levit-sanctuary Shiva minyanim will be held Sunday evening through Friday morning at the home of Rabbi Danny Horwitz and Tobi Cooper. Times are 7:30 am and 5:00 pm. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Shirley Seline Pomerantz Cooper

October 20, 1931 - January 1, 2026