Hana Kay Freeman Pomerantz

HANA KAY FREEMAN POMERANTZ, 70, born on the Fourth of July, 1938, sparkled throughout life. Hana died of cancer Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009, at home surrounded by family and friends. We will miss Hana: her sense of humor, her zest for life, her loyalty, support and infectious laugh. As her granddaughter Alison Glazer, 15, wrote to Hana, "You have made yourself and others happy. You have faced obstacles with a positive attitude and embraced and enjoyed all the happy moments. You have taught me... to live life to the fullest. You have been a role model for me, and for the person I want to be." Hana was born in Houston to Ethel and Louis Freeman. She graduated from San Jacinto High School and attended Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri. She then attended UT Austin, and met and married Don Pomerantz. They lived in Seguin and San Antonio, where they raised four daughters and created a loving and happy home. Although family, friends and fun tied for first in her life, over the years, Hana gave back to the community by volunteering at the Houston Area Women's Center, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Tejas San Antonio, the Seguin Girls Club, the Guadalupe County Hospital and the Seguin Public Library. After moving back to Houston in 1989, Hana fell in love with Dr. Joseph Engler, and they shared the last glorious 20 years together. Hana's love of the outdoors and travel; her gracious hospitality and cooking; and her incredible wit spiced with profanity were legendary. She spoiled us with her homemade breads and gourmet meals and desserts accompanied by delightful wines. Hana will be lovingly remembered by Joseph Engler, the love of her life; her sister, Cyndy Freeman Sax, Houston; her four daughters, Laurie Pomerantz and husband Brian Callahan, San Antonio; Sharyn Glazer, Dallas; Lisa Pomerantz and husband Jonathan Copplestone, New York; Julie Pomerantz, Austin; and six grandchildren, Ryan and Alison Glazer; Sam and Jack Callahan; and Trewin and Oliver Copplestone. She will also be remembered by her nephews, Larry Sax and wife Judy Engler Sax; Kenneth Sax and wife Patricia; niece, Karen Clouse and husband Greg; Debby Engler and husband Alan Lopatin, Washington D.C.; Dr. David Engler and wife Myrna; Dr. Andy Engler and wife Susan, San Francisco; numerous grandnieces and nephews; and her "Ya Ya" sisters, Rosalie Mandell Ravkind and Cissy Rauch Kaplan. The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 27 at the Kagan Rudy Chapel with internment to follow at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77074. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Oshman Foundation Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, c/o The Methodist Hospitable Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384, or the Blanton Davis Ovarian Cancer Program, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.