Ann Himmelstein Studna, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015, in Houston, Texas at the age of 100 after a great and long life.
She was born and lived all but the last five years of her life in Kansas City, Missouri. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}She spent the last years of her life living in Houston, close to her son, Harry and wife Letty, who cared for her. Ann’s parents Alex and Mollie Kraft emigrated from Russia to Kansas City with daughters, Rose and Morrine.
Ann was the first born in the United States. She survived her parents, her sisters and her brother, Lee. She also survived her first husband, Carl Himmelstein, and her second husband, Bennie Studna. She leaves behind two sons, Marvin and Harry Himmelstein; four grandchildren, Stuart, Cathy, Cari and Abby; and five great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Spencer, Channing, Sennett and Sage.
Ann was an avid Mah Jongg player; she was always looking for a game. She also learned to like Bingo. She was very alert and always up on the latest national and international news and enjoyed talking about politics. Everyone loved her for her kindness, warmth and humor. She possessed an amazing memory and was admired for her thoughtful conversations and for always remembering people’s names. Her favorite book was the English dictionary.
She was appreciative of her family and friends who called long distance to check on her or attended her several birthday parties. The light of her life in recent years were her great-grandchildren. They recharged her with visits during the summer and Thanksgiving holiday, and also delighted her by frequently sending photos and videos that her son Harry would show her on the computer.
Her family would like to thank the beautiful ladies and staff at The Medallion Assisted Living for the friendship and companionship they brought into Ann’s life for four years in Houston, Texas. Also, the staff at Seven Acres Nursing Home and Vitas in the last months of her life. Additionally, the family would like to thank Rabbi Josh Lobel, from Congregation Beth El, for his multiple visits to comfort Ann at the nursing home. Her loving presence will be missed by all.
On May 10, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. family and friends gathered at Blue Ridge Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri, for graveside services. She was laid to rest next to her first husband, Carl Himmelstein.
Donations may be made to Congregation Beth El in Missouri City, Texas, to Rabbi Lobel’s discretionary fund. CBE, 3900 Raoul Wallenberg Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459 or the charity of your choice.{/mprestriction}