Irene Oshman Levey

In loving memory of IRENE OSHMAN LEVEY; a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Born August 4, 1924 in the Bronx, New York, Irene passed away peacefully in her home, Saturday December 8, 2007. At the age of 5, Irene moved to Richmond, TX with her family. Although she wasn't born in Texas, she considered herself a true "native" Texan down to her red cowboy boots. She met the love of her life, Maurice "Poy" Levey on a blind date, and they were married just short of 51 wonderful years. Rene and Poy were true partner's as she helped him build a successful fabric business, "Lori's Fabrics", in Rosenberg, Texas. Together they raised four children, always putting the needs and wants of their kids above their own. Once the children were grown and upon the death of her brother Pete, Irene took over "The Economy Store" in downtown Richmond, which she ran for 20 years. Upon retiring from The Economy Store, Irene began volunteering at Polly Ryon Memorial Hospital where she served as President of the Volunteer Auxillary. She also loved tutoring at Jane Long Elementary. Never knowing a stranger and always the first to offer a helping hand, her overwhelming kindness and generosity truly defined her. She was a lifelong member of Temple Emanu El and a life member of Hadassah. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Celia and Jacob Oshman, her beloved husband, Poy, Poy's parents, Anna and Jacob Levey, and all of her siblings and their spouses. Irene is survived by her adoring children Susie and Scott Bender, Lori and Mike Cohen, Jerry and Shelley Levey and Bob Levey, and her wonderful grandchildren, who meant the world to her, Jason and Flauren Bender, Steven Bender, Eric Bender, Justin Cohen, Kelli Cohen, Lauren Levey and Drew Levey, Elliot and Heather Oshman, Russell Oshman, and Andrew Oshman. She is also survievd by sister-in-laws, Mildred Light, Eunice Luka and husband Robert, and Ruth Levey, as well as many wonderful neices and nephews. Rene was like a second mother to her nephew and his spouse, Danny and Trudie Oshman, and her neices and spouses Joyce and Alfred Goodman, Barbara and Ken Oshman, and Anida Daily Hamburg, of blessed memory. The family is so grateful for the wonderful love and care provided to Irene by Sylvia Ruiz and Gloria Raven. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Monday, December 10, 2007, at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be made to: The Rabbi's Good Works Fund, Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005, or Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, 6200 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, TX 77074, or the charity of their choice.