Diane Lisberg Brezner

Diane was a devoted wife to her late husband Stephen “Skip” Brezner, grandmother, sister, mother and dear friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her beloved children, Dana Aboulafia, and her husband Isaac; Kevin Brezner, and his wife Melissa; cherished grandchildren; Gaby, Aaron and Alexis Aboulafia; Zoe and Noah Brezner; and her brother David Lisberg and his wife Kathy. She is predeceased by her brother Burton Lisberg, and parents, Irving and Esther Lisberg of Aurora, Illinois.

Diane was born in Aurora on May 20, 1943 along with her twin brother David Lisberg. She grew up in a loving family a time when doors remained unlocked and playing outside all day was normal.

She attended and graduated from Chicago’s Northwestern University in 1965 with a BA in Speech Therapy. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Stephen “Skip” Brezner in 1966. Their adventure began at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina where Skip served in the US Air Force. While there, Diane participated in the Head Start Program servicing 10 schools as an itinerant Speech Therapist which would become the foundation of her future passion. Their first child, Dana, would be born there, but shortly after, they would move to Houston in 1968 where their son Kevin would join the family.

While Skip set up a successful Dental practice, Diane would immerse herself in Jewish Sisterhood and Hadassah where she met most of her long-time friends. She also served on the Education Board at Beth Yeshurun.

She received her Masters in Speech Pathology at the University of Houston and enjoyed 18 years teaching and helping others through her work at HISD. Upon retiring from HISD, Diane worked tirelessly at the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for 15 years as a Special Education Consultant. Through workshops and special programs that she spearheaded, many of her goals for teachers were realized and became part of the curriculum for students with special needs. She further expanded her knowledge and passion to discover that there was a need to help adults in the community with not only speech, but job mentoring, social activities, residential assistance and vocational services. Her advocacy for this underrepresented group of people exploded to lay the foundation for what would become the Alexander Institute for Families of Special Needs.

She loved traveling all over the world with her husband and enjoyed going to the Symphony, Museums, Ballet and Theater together. She would continue her love and support of the arts with her friends after his passing.

Additionally, as an adult, she led a 5 week trip to Israel for 60 teenagers through The Jewish Federation that was exciting, amazing, informative, and challenging.

First and foremost for Diane was family. She loved her children and grandchildren beyond measure, showering them with unconditional love. Even as she silently battled a rare blood illness, she did it her way without regret, and ultimately declined further treatment so she could be comfortable at home with the family she adored and who loved her back.

A private funeral service was held. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, MD Anderson, or a charity of your choice.