Anita Haber

Mrs. Anita Haber, 94, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2010.-She was born in Matagorda, Texas on May 26, 1915 to Santana and Sadie Cortez.-In 1952, she supported Sam, her husband as one of the "original founders" of Laredo Furniture Distributors (L.F.D.).-The Habers were devoted and serving members of Congregation Agudas Achim.

Senator Judith Zaffirini bestowed upon her one of the most ultimate rewards, A "Proclamation from the Texas Senate".-Although her volunteer work was the highlight, Anita always preferred to accept as part of the team she was working with including her husband, Sam. A "modest" tzedakah (Hebrew meaning righteous person) she was sincerely admired by her students and co-workers, new friends and old. She began her teaching career as Assistant Superintendent and set the standard in teaching for private and public schools; students would fly in from Mexico for her ESL classes and was named "Senior Citizen of the Month" by Judge Garza.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Santana Cortez; sister, Miriam Cortez; brothers, Ernest Cortez, J.V. Cortez, Ruben Cortez; sisters-in-law, Rosa Haber, Angela Cortez, Doris Cortez; brothers-in-law, Morton Halprin, Robert Aguilar and David Mann; nephew, Murray Mann and niece, Julia Cohen.

She survives in all of our hearts and leaves behind her son, Benjamin Sion Haber; daughters, Elizabeth and Deborah Haber; sister-in-law, Esther Halprin.-Also surviving are her brothers, Wally Cortez, David (Margaret), sisters Helen Villegas, Aurora Tatro, Aminta (Larry) Kittel, Agnes Rodriguez, sisters-in-law, Yolanda Cortez, Irma Cortez, and Agnes Rodriguez and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.--

Family and friends are invited to meet at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez; on Sunday morning, January 24, 2010 for visitation at 11:30 a.m. The Levaya (cortege) will depart at 12:30 p.m. from Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels to the Jewish Rest section of the Laredo City Cemetery for services at 1 p.m.; Rabbi Elliot Rosenbaum will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the local Animal League, Kidney Foundation or MHMR volunteers which she, together with her friends helped found.

The family would like to extend their appreciation for the love and care that was provided by: Dr. & Mrs. M. Haber, Dr. Hoelscher, Rabbi Block and Rabbi Sunshine of San Antonio and the staff of the Golden Estates (previously Jewish Nursing Home).

Pallbearers will be: (Honorary & Actual) - Robert Steinfeld,-Joe Laulicht, Dr. Milton Haber, Charles Haber, Paul Michael Haber, Lyle Halprin, Jack Steinfeld, Ronald Tatro, Baldomero (Gil) Cortez, Jr.,-Larry Norton, Robert Norton, Frank Ruttenberg, David Kaliz, and David Cortez, Jr., Hector Villegas, David Villegas, Humberto Villegas, Mark Keeney, and Charles Fansler.

Arrangements are under the direction of the funeral services professionals at Joe Jackson Heights Funeral Chapels, 719 Loring at Cortez; (956) 722-0001.