To all the family members of Evelyn,

I met your mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and sister-in-law and your dad, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law when I became active with Save Our Aquifer and Smart Growth San Antonio. By that time, the two had been deeply active in the movement for quite awhile. I refer to both of them being engaged because Joel spent so many hours in collecting petition signatures in the hot son, strategy meetings, and governance meetings... and Eva supported him, with what I observed as a sense of humorous, unresentful, acceptance that this was who Joel was.

I fell in love with them instantly the first time I dropped something by the house and had a chance to watch their interactions. 

With Joel, there was also special connection, too, because while in many, many ways, he was different from my dad, he was the same age as my dad, was also an engineer, physically resembled my dad, and had several mannerisms similar to my dad, who also generated a nuanced charisma because of his kindness and unassuming demeanor.

And Eva's nature allowed her to graciously welcome me into her circle as if we had known one another forever. And an amazing perspective that allowed her to maintain an extraordinary sense of humor and active life in public, despite her severe, chronic pain. 

Hearing stories they themselves shared with me, as well as those others told, I know they gave more to their communities and families and built more substantive legacies than just about anyone I have known. I also know that I have been privileged to have known them for even a small part of their remarkable lives, especially because we crossed paths in such an unlikely way.

While I experienced them as fiercely independent, there was one thing they asked for. And how could one refuse? I have been active with the Hebrew Free Loan Association since 2005, became a board member, and currently serve as treasurer. My HFLA board membership is the one community commitment I did not resign when I went back to school. And though I believe deeply in the organization on my own, my commitment will always be so much deeper because I want the organization's continued vitality to honor two of its greatest friends.

May their memories be a blessing. They are for me.

Marianne Kestenbaum

Dear Dan and family,
Thank you for including me in the notice about your mother.  I'm glad I had a chance to know her.  She was a lovely woman.  I know her quality of life was no longer good so it was time for her to go to rest.  She will be missed but I rejoice that she had a wonderful life and left a strong legacy for, among many, my grandchildren, Nathan, Annika, and Kaia..
Nancy Schmit

Hi Dan
So sorry to hear about your loss. I am in Colorado and will not be able to attend.

Bob Nance

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Evelyn Karin

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Evelyn "Eva" Karin

September 4, 1926 – October 14, 2013

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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