Hannah Harkavy Ross

Hana was born on May 17, 1919, to Emmanuel and Fannie Harkavy (of blessed memory). She grew up in Bronx, New York; and as a young child she always remembered her parents offering help to family and friends during the depression. Those actions shaped her way of life.

In the late 1930’s, she met her future husband Bob at the age of 16 while debating social issues on a street corner in the Bronx. They were married in November of 1941. They used their wedding gift money to tour the country and stopped in San Antonio to visit cousins on December 6, 1941, the day before the attack on Pearl Harbor. After they returned home to New York, they decided to begin their new life in Texas and moved to San Antonio. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around their family and their Jewish faith, raising four children: Peter, Steven, Marc, and Sharon.

Hana was a woman of deep faith and commitment to her community. She was an active member of Agudas Achim Synagogue and participated in numerous charitable activities. Her love for hospitality was legendary and cherished by her family, friends, and strangers who became her friends.

During the war, Hana became involved with the USO, opening their home to Jewish soldiers for weekends and holidays. In the 1950’s, Hana worked with her husband Bob to build a successful real estate and building business. Today, the next 2 generations are running that business.

Hana remained true to her beliefs and joined the “Panel of American Woman” as the Jewish representative, which was a group that held events featuring a moderator and five or six women from different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds who shared their experiences with prejudice. They spoke to thousands of people, including school children, about prejudice and how it affected their lives.

Hana was a life member of many Jewish organizations and through the years was an active volunteer. She was President of the community Talmud Torah, President of Agudas Achim Sisterhood and Chaired the Yiddish Club at the Jewish Community Center.She was recognized by many organizations for her service receiving the Burning Bush Award from the Agudas Achim Brotherhood, the Stanley Hammer Award from the San Antonio Apartment Association, “Mother of Israel” award from the San Antono Chapter of Hadassah, and honored by Congregation Agudas Achim in 2009 and again in 2021.

Over the years, Hana frequently remarked that she would like to know what everyone was going to say about her when this time came. So, it’s only fitting that a few excerpts from her “Pre-bituary” presented at her 105th birthday celebration with 250 of her closest friends just this past May, be included here:

“Mom, you are the guiding light in our lives. Words seem inadequate to express the depth of gratitude and love we hold for you. You are the embodiment of strength, grace, hospitality, and unwavering love. As we reflect on the countless sacrifices you've made for us, we are humbled to be here today to celebrate with you. Without fail, you've always been there, nurturing and protecting both your family and this synagogue with a selflessness that knows no bounds. You have taught all of us many lessons including the importance of “hachnasat orchim”, the Culture of Hospitality, which holds a significant place within both religious teachings and Jewish culture and traditions. You have literally carried on the tradition that goes back to the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah, who were renowned for their hospitality towards strangers. In the Book of Genesis, there's a famous account when Abraham, sitting at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day, notices three strangers approaching. Despite the scorching weather, Abraham rushes to greet them and invites them into his tent, offering them food, water, and rest. He and Sarah prepare a lavish meal for their guests and extend kindness and hospitality to them without hesitation. Many San Antonians and visitors to San Antonio have had that very same experience: receiving a Hana Ross invitation to join our family in her home. We admit that we didn’t understand nor appreciate the importance of this lesson and behavior until we became volunteer leaders, however, NOW we get it! For us it’s not a G-d given talent like it is for you, but rather a skill that we learned FROM you. Your unconditional love for both us and everything you believed in have been the anchor that has grounded us by showing what’s truly important. You've taught the value of kindness, compassion, hospitality, and resilience through your own example, and for that, we are eternally grateful because they are the fabric of all our blessed lives.”

Hana was preceded in death by her soulmate of almost 63 years, Former San Antonio City Councilman Bob Ross (of Blessed Memory). She is survived by her children Peter Ross (Peggy), Steven Ross (Sherri), Marc Ross (Lauren), and Sharon Ross Stern (Bruce). Her loving grandchildren; Amy Ross, Jennifer Ross, Andrew Ross (Erin), Alan Ross (Monica), Amanda Lundblade (Joseph) Rebecca Ross (Devon Gilinsky), Sam Ross (Rachel), Stephanie Stern, and Allison Stern. She is also blessed to have been surrounded by her great grandchildren: Chloe, Connor, Charlie, Dillon, Max, Parker, Harper, Heidi, and Reid.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers Diana, Marina, Mary Elizabeth, Laurie, Irma, Brenda, Alma, and the Vitas Hospice for their unwavering support, kindness, and exceptional care. Their dedication and loving care brought great comfort to Hana and her family.

All are invited to attend a graveside service which will occur at 3:00 pm on, Monday, July 22, 2024 at the Agudas Achim Memorial Gardens located at 1727 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Following interment, a Memorial Service will be held at approximately 4:30 pm at Congregation Agudas Achim located at 16550 Huebner Rd, San Antonio, Texas 78248. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a meal of consolation at Agudas Achim.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ross Family Kitchen Fund at Congregation Agudas Achim in her memory. www.agudas-achim.org

Hana will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of faith, love, and dedication to her family and community will continue to inspire those she touched for generations to come.