Our sweet devoted mother, Sonia Topletz Philipson, age 91, passed away on February 5 at her Dallas home after an extended illness. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Sonia “Tootie” Philipson was born in Dallas, Texas, to Rebecca and Levi Topletz. Sonia graduated from Highland Park High School, where she was a recipient of the Linz award. She attended Hockaday Junior College, where she made lifelong friends. At Northwestern University, Sonia was a member of Sigma Delta Theta sorority. She graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Education. When she returned to Dallas, Sonia taught speech at Ben Milam School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In 1957, she earned a Masters degree in Speech Correction from SMU.
Sonia volunteered for many community organizations. She was committed to the March of Dimes and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, including a year of service as head of the United Way Women’s Division. She also served The Hockaday School as President of the Alumnae Association and a member of the Board of Trustees.
Sonia wasn’t impressed with Herman Philipson when she first met him at a tea dance at the Colombian Country Club, but an invitation to play bridge prompted her to accept a second date. They married six months later. Together they traveled the world and their adventures took them to six continents. Over the years, she stayed in touch with the many friends they made during their trips. After Herman died, Sonia continued to travel with her daughter Nancy. Together they visited the Arctic, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, returning to many of the places Sonia and Herman had visited years before.
Sonia was a consummate hostess, often entertaining Herman’s business associates, and their family and friends. She was an avid sports fan and always looked forward to her weekly tennis games, Cowboys football games, and college football and basketball games, especially cheering for her grandchildren’s schools. In later years, Sonia enjoyed monthly lunch with her many first cousins
Sonia was much loved for her warm smile and gracious greetings which always made people feel welcomed. She was a great confidant who could be trusted to keep a secret.
One of her greatest joys was watching her grandchildren grow and thrive. She eagerly attended their school programs and sports games. She always looked forward to their visits when they were back in Dallas from work and college. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren, sister, nieces and nephews.
In the final years of her life, Sonia was cared for by many wonderful people. Her family is especially grateful to Dr. Claude Denham, Deede Carter, Michelle Miraglia, Dr. Kelley Newcomer, Maria Lopez, Emir Velarde, Sherlene Green, Lee Williams, Amber Brown and the many others who provided loving care during Sonia’s illness.
Sonia was predeceased by her parents, Rebecca and Levi Topletz; her brothers, Murray and Kenneth Topletz; and her dear husband of 50 years, Herman L. Philipson, Jr. She is survived by daughters, Cynthia (Ben) Klein of Houston, Leslie (Bob) Krakow of Dallas, Nancy Philipson of Beverly Hills, CA, and Julie (Todd) Boren of Dallas; grandchildren, Robert and Jason Klein, Ben and Eli Krakow, Lilli, Philip, Michael and Thomas Boren; sister, Betty Sue Sheinberg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (1420 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75247, http://www.vnatexas.org), Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219, http://www.scottishriteforchildren.org), Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (12801 N US-75 Central Expy 1000 #530, Dallas, TX 75243, http://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org), North Texas Food Bank (3677 Mapleshade Lane, Plano, TX 75075, http://www.ntfb.org), or the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Philipson family.
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