Miriam “Mimi” Dorcas Tapper Fabriz

Miriam “Mimi” Dorcas Tapper Fabriz, 93, of Houston, passed away on May 13, 2026. Miriam was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Reverend William Tapper and Eva Tapper on December 2, 1932. She graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota before marrying Harold Fabriz in May of 1955.

Miriam was born with Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuromuscular disorder. During her adolescence, she underwent multiple surgeries under the care of then-renowned surgeon John Fahey, MD in Chicago, Illinois, who reconstructed her feet enabling her to walk with the aid of leg braces for many decades. It was her moment-by-moment reliance on God that allowed her to overcome daily physical challenges and to meet others with a smile.

Miriam exuded joy and true caring for others. She befriended all and loved to laugh. Her full life as homemaker and mother included being a Bible teacher, a PTA volunteer and choir member. She had a beautiful God-given soprano voice and used her singing as a testimony of her great faith.

During her retirement, Miriam lived at Goldberg Towers and was the first to say that she loved being a part of the Goldberg family. She joined in activities from being the Wii Bowling team’s cheerleader to helping tutor other residents for the U.S. citizenship exam to attending weekly Torah Study, glass art class, and serving as Parliamentarian for Goldberg’s Resident Council for several years. She treasured the resident Bible Study Group and loved hosting her family in her apartment for special occasions and important holidays.

Miriam is preceded in death by her parents and brothers John and David.

Miriam is survived by daughters Sharon Hope Fabriz and Dawn Ellen Phillips; grandchildren, Kimberly Poblano, Dylan Smith and wife Lana, Andrew Phillips and wife Holly, Hannah Smith; great-grandchildren Jazlynn Garcia, Edward Poblano and Abigail Poblano; nephew Steven Tapper and wife Barbara; great niece and nephew Rachel and Johnathan.

Her legacy to her family and friends is her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family will never forget her grit and contagious joy. She claimed the promise that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.

The family of Miriam wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the compassionate staff of SW Memorial Hospital and Houston Hospice. To Mimi’s wonderful caregivers, Marilyn, Ola and ACP Healthcare Resources, Lisa and Loving Hands, thank you for your long-standing commitment to Mimi. We also thank the staff and volunteers at Goldberg B’nai B’rith Towers for making it such a wonderful place to call home.

A celebration of Miriam’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes memorial donations to J. B. Goldberg B’nai B’rith Senior Citizens Towers Foundation.