After having lived, loved, and laughed for almost 95 years, Anne Harriet Feldman Meltzer passed away peacefully and with her renowned dignity and grace on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 in Houston, Texas.
Born on Jan. 21, 1925 to Harry and Sarah Feldman, Anne was raised in Great Bend, Kan. She met and became engaged to Nathan Meltzer with his Eagle Scout ring, and married in 1947. They shared 60 years as inseparable partners in marriage, parenting, business, travel, and on the dance floor. They moved to Arizona in 1979, and then to Houston in 1997 to be closer to family.
Although a savvy businesswoman, voracious reader, committed community leader, and world traveler, her passion and dedication was to her family. Nothing gave her more joy and pep-in-her-step than celebrating life’s gifts, accomplishments, and special occasions with her children and grandchildren. She was always available to them and they found her to be the ultimate inspiration of strength, love, and independence. She also proved to be an exceptional confidante to them with her trust, wisdom, soft voice, positive attitude, honesty, and authenticity. She “kvelled” in the extraordinary experience of meeting her first great grandchild just before her passing.
She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Fara and Jeffrey Gaitz, Hal and Pam Meltzer, Victor Meltzer, Steven and BJ Meltzer. She also leaves to cherish her memory her loving grandchildren, Simone (Jason), Zach, Ethan, Nicholas, Sterling, Elizabeth, Karie (Max), Leslie, Melissa, Scott; and great granddaughter, Lior Charlize. She also shared a special relationship with her nieces, Sylvia LaVine and Betty Feldman. As well as her parents, she is predeceased by her husband Nathan; sister Tish Shear; and brother Maurice Feldman.
She accepted everyone, refused to dismiss anyone, and never spoke ill of others. Family, friends, and even strangers knew her sensitivity, generosity, compassion, and unpretentious character.
Anne never took anything or anyone for granted. She supported and gave graciously to numerous and varied organizations, charities, and causes. Her Jewish identity, faith, and culture were of utmost importance in her life.
She will be remembered for her heart of gold and spine of steel. And yet, she simply wanted to be remembered as a kind person.
Having lost so many family members to the Holocaust, if you choose to donate in her memory, please give to the Holocaust Museum Houston or to MD Anderson Advanced Breast Cancer Clinic, for she won her battle against breast cancer at age 38, but always recognized that so many have not.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 26, 2020
