Eva H. Kestner

Eva Handelman Kestner, 85, of Waco, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009. Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Rodef Sholom Cemetery, with Rabbi Mordecai Rotem officiating. Eva was born March 5, 1924, in New Orleans, La., to Ike and Gertrude Handelman. When she was six years old, her mother passed away and she moved to Marlin, to live with her paternal aunt and uncle, Annie and Jake Kroll. She was raised as their daughter, and their children, Jewel and Maurice, became her siblings. Her father moved to Marlin at the same time. She graduated from Marlin High School in 1940. She then attended the University of Texas in Austin, graduating in 1944, with an English degree. On July 26, 1946, Eva married Jack Kestner. She worked with him in the family business, Kestner's Department Store, until they retired in 1985. She cared for her beloved Jack during his illness until his death in 1989. Eva took a leadership role in many community activities. She served as president of Waco Pan-Hellenic and Lake Waco Elementary School PTA. She was treasurer of City Council of PTA. She was also active in the Temple Rodef Sholom Sisterhood, Camp Fire Girls, and many other organizations. Her favorite pastime was knitting. She loved making sweaters and blankets for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her "GaGa" and loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her mother, Gertrude; her father and stepmother, Ike and Elizabeth Handelman; her Aunt Annie and Uncle Jake Kroll; and her sister, Jewel Gottlieb. Those who survive to cherish her memory are her daughter, Trudy Kestner Cohen and husband, Howard; brother, Maurice Kroll, of Kerrville; and sister-in-law, Cecile Nathan, of New Jersey. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren, Colin Cohen of Austin, Kelli Jolly and husband, Ken, of Midland, Mich.; and great-grandchildren, Jack and Cameron Cohen and Luca and Paloma Jolly. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com March 5, 1924 - September 2, 2009 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com