Diana "Dede" Miller Weil

Diana "Dede" Miller Weil, 87 years young, passed away peacefully at home on Friday the 3rd of May 2024, following a brief illness. While her absence has already left a void in the lives of those who knew her, we know that she is now at peace and in the arms of her beloved husband and family.

Dede was born on the 9th of June 1936, to Isidore (I.L.) and Bertha Miller in Houston, Texas. She was the younger sister to Arnold Myron Miller Sr. and grew up in Old Braeswood where she developed numerous lifelong friendships with the families and children who lived in in the neighborhood. While she graduated from the St. John's School and attended Pine Manor College, her academic career was cut short by a chance meeting with the love of her life, Sylvan Conrad Weil Jr. from Alexandria, Louisiana. Dede and Connie were married on the 23rd of February 1957, and she was briefly wisked away to live in Alexandria where Connie joined the family business. This relocation was short lived as Dede soon thereafter "convinced" Connie that Houston provided them with more opportunities both for work and for raising their yet to be born first child, Steven. As rumor has it, Dede told Connie that she was moving back to Houston and that he had the option of coming back with her. From that point forward, Dede made Houston her home and they both immersed themselves and their family in the Houston community at large.

Dede was a dedicated spouse and attentive mother to her children, Steven, Ronnie and Lauren. Despite the time requirements involved with raising 3 children, Dede found the time to pursue many of her passions that enriched her life and those around her. As such, she was a patron of the arts and attended and was a strong supporter of the Houston Symphony, the Houston Opera and theater. She treasured her weekly mah-jongg games, the so-called tennis group that would spend more time socializing than actually playing tennis, her daily walks, workouts at the Houstonian, and weekends at Walden on Lake Conroe. Walden in particular provided so many fantastic memories for her and her family, particularly the annual Jack Benny charity tennis tournament. The Weil's annual Christmas Eve party at their house required no invitation and was a staple amongst friends, family, and those new to Houston for over 30 years.

Dede and Connie loved to travel the world with friends and family and had the opportunity to visit some of the most remarkable places around the globe. While she would admit that she most loved their trip to New Zealand, her favorite place to visit was New York City where she would always stay at the Regency Hotel and have coffee every morning at the Viand Diner around the corner. She was fortunate to share this particular experience with many of her grandchildren.

Dede never had a sick day and was never tired when it came to her family. While Dede certainly adored her children, her passion was indeed vested in the lives of her 9 grandchildren. Mame as she was called never missed a sporting event, recital, graduation, Bar Mitzvah or important event in the lives of grandchildren. She was often seen dragging Connie along to numerous weekend events that often lasted from sunrise to sundown. This unyielding dedication to her grandchildren created incredibly strong bonds between each and every one of them and now the absence of which has left a huge void in their lives and the lives of their extended families.

Dede is preceded in death by her husband Connie, her parents, and brother Arnie. She is survived by her sister in law Susie Miller and cousin Frann Gordon Lichtenstein, children Steven Weil (wife Debbie), Ronnie Weil (wife Lenora), Lauren Friedman (husband Jeffrey) and her grandchildren Steven Weil Jr, Brooke Weil, Lindsey Weil, McKenna Weil, Ronnie Weil Jr, Miller Friedman, Megan Holtgrave (husband David), Emma Friedman, Buddy Friedman as well as Courtney Wright and Candice Wright. Her positive influence on each and every one of them is cherished and will always be remembered.

The family would particularly like the thank those caregivers who made her last few years and most recent illness as joyful as possible. We are most grateful for the professional and expert care of Jay Davis MD and Erin Furr-Stimming MD. As well, for Sherry Galantine, Monsie Pereda, Myrna Mendoza and Alice Dixon who were always at her side and provided a loving and caring environment while at home. The assistance throughout the years from Cindy Papke is greatly appreciated. She adored you all.

A funeral service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 6th of May 2024, in the sanctuary of Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Boulevard in Houston, where Senior Rabbi David A. Lyon, Senior Associate Rabbi, Adrienne P. Scott and Cantor Kenneth Feibush are to officiate.

The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden in Houston.

Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Steven Weil,Jr., Ronald "Junior" Weil, Jr., Jackson "Buddy" Friedman, Miller Friedman, David Holtgrave, Arnold Miller, Jr. and Randy Smith.

All are invited join the family later that evening during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd, Houston, TX, 77096; or Houston Symphony, (Attn: Development Department), 615 Louisiana St., Suite 102, Houston, TX 77002; or UTHealth Houston, (Attn: Office of Development), 7000 Fannin, Suite 1200, Houston, Tx 77030, in support of Neurodegenerative Research and Erin Furr-Stimming, MD.; or the charity of your choice.