Ellen Hurwitz Penner
1936-2015
Ellen Hurwitz Penner died on September 4, 2015. Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1936, she was affectionately known as "Ellen Rae" by everyone in the small town of Kilgore, where she grew up. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hyman and Eva Hurwitz. She is survived by her children, Murry and Karen Penner, Howard and Nancy Penner, and Shari Penner Riesenfeld. She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Jeremy, Josh, Katie, Rachel, and Ryan Penner and Brandon and Kirby Boyle. Ellen is also survived by her Brother, Charles Hurwitz and his wife, Barbara.
Ellen loved her family and was loyal to her friends. Following in the footsteps of her father, she became president of her synagogue, Congregation Emanu El, and was later honored with its highest honor, Congregant of the Year. Serving the Temple was the continuation of a lifetime devoted to service. In San Antonio she was involved with the United Jewish Appeal and Brandeis and, among other things; she chaired the Women's Division of the United Jewish Federation following the family's move to Houston. She also headed missions to Israel and travelled numerous times to Russia to help Jewish Refuseniks emigrate. Ellen was presented with many awards over the years acknowledging her hard work and commitment to the community and she treasured every one.
The family especially thanks Ellen's caretakers who added immense quality to her life.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm, Sunday, September 6, 2015, in the Kagan-Rudy Chapel at Emanu El Memorial Park located at 8341 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas, Rabbis Roy A. Walter and Oren Hayon officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Emanu El (emanuelhouston.org).

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Published by Houston Chronicle from Sep. 5 to Sep. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Penner

Sponsored by Waldman Funeral Care.

11 Entries

September 8, 2015

My sympathies go out to the Penner family. I worked for Morgan Hayes (shoe dept.) at MPenner's Post Oak location (near California Pizza Kitchen) and then for Mr. Sonny Penner (and Mary) in the office. My fondest memories were of Ellen and the boys coming to visit their father. What a wonderful family.

God Bless you all.

Karen Jacobson Harpold

September 8, 2015

My condolences to the family. Ellen was my next door neighbor when I was growing up and she was always wonderful to me and my family. She will surely be missed.
Amanda Burnett

September 7, 2015

So sorry for the loss of your sister, Charles. And also all her Penner family. I remember that beautiful lady well from High School.
Cecilia Brumley Barrow

September 7, 2015

I'm saddened to hear about your family's loss. My friendship with Ellen Rae dates back to elementary school. I had not seen her in many years but thanks to email contact we had been in touch. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Hurwitz and Charles very well. Thanks for special memories, Ellen Rae. Nancy Cato Bullock, Kilgore TX

September 6, 2015

My condolences to the Penner family. May you find much comfort in God's word...Matt. 5:4

Franelle Rogers

September 6, 2015

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Brock

September 5, 2015

Sending my deepest condolences. The Bible give us sure hope for our love once that passed away, at John 11: 39-44. I hope that this will give yall comfort. So sorry for your lost.

September 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family of Ellen Hurwitz Penner. I have fond memories of growing up in Kilgore with Ellen Rae. A memory that stands out is one in which I went to Fort Worth with her to visit her grandparents. Later in life, we continued to be friends when we both lived in Houston. Anna Belle Clements Baker

Mary (Stearns) Baker

September 5, 2015

Ellen Rae & I grew up together as good friends in Kilgore, Tx. We shared many wonderful memories being the only Catholic & Jewish girls in our class. We each loved the other's parents & spent lots of time at each other's homes. Though distance has kept us apart for years, we have kept in touch but as it seems all to often, when one passes, regret not doing a better job of it. I'll miss knowing my Diva could he on the other end of a phone line because I did love her very much. My condolences to her family...hope your memories help you.
Mary (Stearns) Baker

September 5, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family at this most difficult time. May the God of all comfort provide you with whatever is needed so you can cope with your great loss. Psalms 83 : 18.

September 5, 2015

My sympathy to you for the loss of Mrs. Penner. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time.

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