Dorothy Paula Levy Katz

Dorothy Paula Levy Katz, longtime community civic and art leader, artist, philanthropist, and business owner, passed away at her home in San Antonio, Texas, on January 4, 2011, at the age of 88.

Dorothy was born March 24, 1922, in El Paso, Texas, to Abe and Ruth Brettler Levy, attended Dudley Elementary School and graduated from El Paso High School, before attending The University of Texas Austin and graduating from The University of California at Los Angeles UCLA. She married Charles Julius Katz, Senior, in Greenville, South Carolina, on October 17, 1942. They lived lovingly together until his death on January 22, 2002.

Dorothy was a longtime member of Temple Beth-El, serving on many committees and chairing many events. After years of volunteering for a wide variety of organizations she became the owner of Sol del Rio art gallery and The Different Drummer antique shop. She loved helping support the local artists as well as working with her clients to develop their sense of art.

She loved people, art, antiques, plants and flowers, dogs, and birds. Just as she always saw the beauty in people, she actively supported the community organizations that enhanced the beauty, the arts, education, health and medical research aspects of San Antonio.

Dorothy was a proud member of the downtown Rotary Club...proud of having perfect attendance for so many years, as well as being an Honorary Member when she could no longer attend the meetings every Wednesday.

Her beauty, graciousness, sense of style, and charm were her inbred qualities that didn't diminish with age and lasted for a lifetime. She had respect for others and was respected by others.

Never one to seek honors or recognition, she was proud to have been selected as the San Antonio Express-News "Hostess of the Year" 1965, University Roundtable "Best and Brightest" 1993, San Antonio Art League "Ethel T. Drought Founders Award" with Charles J. Katz, Sr. 2001, and Temple Beth-El "Chairperson Emerita Fine Arts and Decorations Committee" 2002.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, her sister, Frances Levy Kahn and brother-in-law Joshua Nyman Kahn, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean Katz Ladensohn and Kenneth Roland Ladensohn. She is survived by her 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. Daughter, Candy Katz and Buddy Gardner, of San Antonio, Texas, and sons, Charles J. "Chuck" and Roberta Katz, Jr. of Palo Alto, California, and Stephen Alan and Sara Katz of San Antonio, Texas. Grandchildren, Michael and Andra Gardner of Austin, Texas, Courtney Gardner and David Newmark of Austin, Texas, Sarah Katz and Tim O'Hara of Alexandria, Virginia, Sydney Katz of San Francisco, California, Simon Katz of Los Angeles, California, Hannah Katz of San Antonio, Texas, Jessica Katz of Austin, Texas, and Rebecca Katz of Santa Clara, California. Great Grandchildren, Cheryl Ariella and Cayla Julianna Gardner of Austin, Texas; Sophia Ruth, Samuel Charles, and Claire Elizabeth Newmark of Austin, Texas; and Rory Catherine and Aven Elizabeth O'Hara of Alexandria, Virginia. Other survivors include nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Dr. David Grant for his medical care, and to her devoted caregivers, Dolores Alviso, Gail Dixon, Pat Balmos, and Irene Carillo.