Zelda Naftalis

Zelda Switzer Naftalis passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. She will always be remembered as a deeply loving, wife, mother, grandmother, supportive friend and the most beautiful, elegant woman with impeccable style and grace. Zelda was born on August 5, 1933 in Toronto, Canada to parents Joseph and Sally Switzer. Zelda and Mel were married for 67 years and moved to Dallas in 1963, forging a robust, fulfilling, and extraordinary life together. Mel was the ever-adoring love of her life, her buoy and hero who made certain that she laughed hard every day, knew that she was appreciated, needed, and that he was forever by her side. Zelda’s most profound and meaningful joy came from raising her two children. Her home and backyard were the center of her happiness and she delighted in sharing them with family and friends by often hosting dinner parties and gatherings for her children and their friends.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. J.M. (Mel) Naftalis; daughter Tracy Kittle and husband Eddie and their daughter Eliza Grace Kittle; son, Dr. Richard Naftalis and wife Elizabeth and their children, Jordan, Harrison and Benjamin Naftalis. She is additionally survived by her brother Sheldon Switzer and wife Mei Chan and sister Wendy Switzer of Toronto.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and a reception immediately following inside Sparkman Hillcrest. Rabbi Andrew Paley will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Shalom, the Vogel Alcove or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Naftalis family.