Rena Shabot Marcus passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 29, 2018. She was born on April 2, 1924, in Brooklyn, NY; she lived there until she was seven years old when her family moved to Houston, TX. Her father was a hard-working man in the dry goods business. When Rena was 13 years old she met 15 year old Morris Marcus. Morris was immediately smitten with Rena – the love of his life. He wrote Rena every day for many years, as he was in the Army from 1941-45. With Morris in his uniform, they married in 1945, as soon as he returned home from the service. Soon after, they settled in El Paso, where Morris’s family had lived since immigrating to the US from Syria in 1921.
Rena and Morris were happily married for 57 years. Morris made a good name for himself in the El Paso grocery business, and in 1970 he went into real estate. He was a good provider for his family and Rena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Together they had 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 1 more great grandchild and a great, great grandchild on the way. A dedicated wife, Rena was happiest as a stay-at-home mom taking care of her husband and children. Her only personal indulgence was getting her hair and nails done every Thursday at 9 a.m. for 65 years! She was a member of Congregation B’nai Zion, Hadassah, and Temple Mount Sinai. She loved her religion, family, and her home.
Morris died in 2003 and Rena moved to Monte Vista in 2004, where she had many friends. There she became known as the Bingo Queen, as she was usually the winner. Known for her bright smile, colorful blouses, and peaceful demeanor, Rena will be missed by all who knew her.
The family thanks Dr. Dwayne Aboud, caregivers Hilda Ramirez, Griselda Quesada, and Vanessa Rodriguez.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents, Meyer and Lilly Shabot, and brother Sam Shabot. She is survived by sister: Esther Kishk. Children: Shirleen Askenazi (Albert), Lillian Slovick (Bill), Hal Marcus (Patricia), Meyer Marcus (Mindy), Clement Marcus (Amy); grandchildren: Sam Askenazi (Barbara), Morris Askenazi (Barbara), David Askenazi (Donna), Danny Askenazi (Michele), Deanna Sline, Leilainia Marcus, Marco Marcus, Adelaide Marcus, Shea Herman (Cory), Mila Martinez (Carlos), Ben Marcus (KC), Troy Marcus (Leslie), Paige Marcus, Mitchell Marcus; great grandchildren: Shirleen Agmon (David), Rachel Askenazi, Debbie Askenazi, Buddy Askenazi, Martin Askenazi, Toby Askenazi, Abraham Askenazi, Sareena Askenazi, Jordan Askenazi, Avi Askenazi, Ty Askenazi, Eleanor Askenazi Schoenbrun, Lilly Sline, Evie Sline, Reid Sline, and Elio Martinez. She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Rena’s name to Congregation B’nai Zion.
