Belle Galperin Nelkin Margoliner released herself from the will to live on December 20. Although she did nothing extraordinary or remarkable with her almost 101 years, she succeeded quite well in living with grace, optimism, love, humor, and a deep devotion to her family.
Belle was the first-born of her parents Harry and Miriam Galperin, of blessed memory, and predeceased by all her siblings, Isadore, Shanal (Turboff), Ralph, and Cecile (Phillips). She was married for 35 years to Morris Nelkin, who she loved to her last day. Her second husband, Simon Margoliner, found quite a catch in Belle, sharing life together for over 20 years until his passing in 1995.
Born in Galveston, raised in Port Arthur and Beaumont, Belle made her way to Houston after graduating from Beaumont High School. After raising most of her kids on Eagle and Rosedale Streets, she would eventually reside in her beautiful home in the Woodshire subdivision, the venue for countless parties, Passover seders, mahjong and poker games, and cordial lodging for visiting family, for 55 years. She ran her kitchen with skills learned from her mother, and prepared beautiful Shabbat dinners.
Belle was good-natured and unflappable, with an exceptional sense of humor. A beauty with styled hair, manicured soft hands, accessorized with jewelry and scarves, and, always, lipstick, she was called by many the “Belle of the ball”. Above all, she was tolerant and forgiving, and loved her family unconditionally.
She is mourned by her children Bill and Pat Nelkin, Rae and Max Uzick, Leon and Renata Nelkin, and Tina Nelkin and life-partner Glynda Robbins, and grandchildren Ron Shimkus and Jennifer Anderson, Phil Shimkus, Lane and Dora Nelkin, Libby and Andrew Mintz, Alyssa and Jason Goldstein, Jim Morris Nelkin, Sabra Nelkin, and ”honorary” grandson Alan Tyser. Belle was great-grandmother to Nicholas Morales, Zane and Zander Nelkin, and Judah Goldstein, and was the most beloved Aunt Belle to 11, and to her great- nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her dear friend, Jane Edgeworth.
We extend our gratitude to Drs. James Willerson, John Stroehlein, Harriet Henderson, and Joann Ira, and the staffs at Seven Acres, Houston Hospice, and VITAS Hospice for their respectful, compassionate care of our beloved mother.
A graveside service, officiated by Rabbi David Rosen, will be held at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery, Post Oak December 23, at 1:30 p.m. Contributions in memory of Belle will be appreciated at Seven Acres, Houston Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements under the direction of Levy Funeral Directors, Bellaire, TX.
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