Shirley Wolff Toomim

It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Shirley Wolff Toomim, a beacon of kindness, compassion, and grace. She was 96 years old and passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home. Shirley was born on October 2, 1928, to Boris and Fannie Wolff. She was a native Houstonian who attended the University of Wisconsin for 1 year because she had never lived around snow. Realizing cold weather was not for her, she transferred to the University of Texas and followed by attending the Art Institute of Houston where she received her degree in Interior Design. She used this knowledge to become a trailblazer in the furniture industry working at Star Furniture for over 50 years as Vice Chairman. She was affectionately known at Star Furniture as “Mrs. T.” She worked alongside architects to build and style all of the Star Furniture showrooms across Houston, Bryan, Austin, and San Antonio. She was in charge of all of the display designers and was known as the “Style Maven,” solely responsible for purchasing all of Star’s accessories and artwork. For anyone who knew Shirley, her track record as a designer very much reflected her as a person - every outfit, jewelry selection, unique clothing pin was placed together with intent and purpose. Shirley’s journey was unconventional for women of her time. She worked closely with her brother of blessed memory, Melvyn Wolff. They had a unique brother / sister working relationship. Having lunch every day and ultimately together, they grew a company that was always “Different by Design.” So different in fact, it eventually caught the attention of Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway, and in 1997, Star Furniture was sold to their new friend, Warren. She was married to David Toomim, of blessed memory. The two met at Westwood Country Club where he would often help Shirley with her homework as a means to court her. It wasn’t too long before David and Shirley had their first date, a lunch followed by a University of Texas football game together in Austin, Texas where they would both miss the opening kick-off return for a touchdown because Shirley insisted on having a dessert after lunch. Over the next 56 years of marriage, David would soon learn that Shirley never passed up a good dessert. Together, David and Shirley dedicated their lives to making a difference in their community. Known for her philanthropic heart, Shirley continued to support many causes. The short list includes Jewish Family Service, Houston Jewish Federation, Houston Symphony, Congregation Beth Israel, The Shlenker School, The Emery Weiner School, Jewish Community Center, SEARCH, Greene Family Camp, University of Houston Law School, Baylor College of Medicine, Menninger Clinic, The Alley Theatre, The Houston Ballet, and MD Anderson. Her contributions were a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a better world. She touched the lives of so many, leaving an indelible mark on our community. Her legacy and impact will continue to outlive her for generations to come. Beyond her charitable endeavors, Shirley was a source of warmth and wisdom to her many friends and family. She will be remembered for her ability to make everyone feel heard and valued and her unwavering belief in the power of giving back. She was known in our family as the Duchess of Taste, always dressed impeccably and never missed her Friday hair salon appointments. She served as a strong role model to her children and grandchildren. She was the admired matriarch of our family, always taking care of everyone and making us all feel her unconditional love. Shirley is survived by her loving family: her daughter, Ellen Toomim Robinson and spouse Steve Robinson; her grandchildren, Adam Robinson, Erica Robinson Baron and spouse Jonathan Baron, Nicholas Toomim, Caitlin Niskala and spouse Eli Niskala; her great grandchildren, Harper Baron, Shevah Niskala, Asaph Niskala, Chemdah Niskala, and Yacob Niskala; as well as her cherished sister-in-law, Cyvia Wolff. Shirley had many friends that loved her as family, most notably her dear best friend, Joan Alexander. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, David Toomim, her son, Roddy Toomim, grandson, Joshua Toomim and daughter-in-law, Penny Toomim. She was loved by many and was fortunate to receive the same kindness she was so well known for from all of her caregivers that always treated her with respect and dignity throughout the years. A special thank you to Laura Diaz, Mulugeta Birara, Mary Turrubiates, Mona Hampton, and Chris Collins, her personal trainer whom she religiously worked out with twice a week for over 30 years. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alexander Jewish Family Service, www.alexanderjfs.org, or a charity of your choice in her honor. Her life was a testament to the power of love. While our hearts ache with her loss, we find comfort in knowing her spirit lives on in the many lives she touched. Rest in peace, Mom. Your light will shine forever in our hearts, and you leave behind a legacy of love and kindness which will endure as a life well lived and an example of a life with purpose. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A memorial service will take place on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 3:30 pm in the sanctuary at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77096 . The service will also be livestreamed at the following link: https://www.beth-israel.org/about-us/news-events-upcoming-events/livestreaming/.

Shirley Wolff Toomim

October 2, 1928 - December 25, 2024