Iris Simon Rubin

1932 - 2024

IRIS SIMON RUBIN
March 20, 1932 - December 16, 2024
Iris Simon Rubin, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2024.

Iris was born on March 20, 1932, in Victoria, Texas to M. O. and Pauline Simon. She often reminisced about her vibrant childhood by sharing tales of her shenanigans, such as when she and her sister, Polly Lou, drove down Main Street in Victoria with their dog, Brownie, in the driver's seat.

In the early 1950s, Iris feigned interest in football and fishing, helping her reel in Jay Lewis Rubin of San Antonio. They tied the knot in 1952 and were married until Jay Lewis' death in 1990.

While raising their two sons, Joe and Jamo, Iris mastered the art of entertaining with her keen sense of humor. She and Jay Lewis hosted countless parties for friends, dignitaries, and movie, ballet, and opera stars. Their annual New Year's Day party started with a few friends gathering at their house. It evolved over the decades into "Noon 'Til Moon," a New Year's Day open house that, at its peak, was attended by more than one thousand of their closest friends.

Around 1985, Iris and Jay Lewis were the originating force in bringing Crime Stoppers to San Antonio. As its first president, Iris worked closely with San Antonio Chief of Police Chuck Rodriguez. She also served as president of the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood and was a member of the McNay Art Institute's Advisory Board.

Iris loved her five grandchildren. When they were in elementary school, she authored a children's book, The Peenk Bear, to teach them that a person's character is more important than their appearance. Iris and her Peenk Bear hand-puppet visited each of her grandkids' schools to read the book to their classes.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Lewis Rubin; her parents, Pauline Feller Simon and Moritz Oppenheimer Simon; and her sister, Polly Lou Livingston. Iris is survived by her sons, Joseph Paul Rubin (Sherril) and Dr. Jamo Rubin (Dr. Stacey), of San Antonio; grandchildren, James Jay Rubin (Clara), Griffin Simon Rubin, Diana Lynn Rubin, Ruthanna Martye Rubin, Joseph Mark Rubin; and great-granddaughter Roberta Lou Rubin.

The family extends their deep gratitude to her long-time caregivers, Martha Gonzalez and Eva Ruiz. Thanks also to Maria Elena Ayala, Araceli Vela and her staff at Franklin Park memory care, and the Remarkable Hospice staff.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 18, 2024
1:30 P.M.
TEMPLE BETH-EL
211 BELKNAP PL., SAN ANTONIO, TX

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crime Stoppers San Antonio, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, or the charity of your choice.

A livestream link will be
available on her
obituary page at
www.porterloring.com