Dee Coplin

Delores (Dee) Coplin born June 2, 1936 and died on May 13, 2024. She is survived by her husband Don, daughter Daphne, son Doug and his wife Jackie, two grandchildren Maya and Lue, brother Jerry Shefren and his wife Joyce. She was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Schrager and her parents, Rose and Lue Shefren. Dee died after a short illness at home surrounded by her family. Dee Coplin was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois where she spent her childhood with an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was a first generation American and accepted the responsibility to get a good education and make a difference in the world. She graduated from Rock Island High School in 1954 and attended the University of Texas at Austin before following her dream by attending and graduating from nursing school at Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago. She was the first family member to receive an advanced degree. She moved to Houston to work as a nurse and met her husband Don on a blind date. They were married five months later and they never left each other’s sides for the next 63 years until she died. Dee was active in the Jewish community for many years. She served as President of B’nai Brith Women and Vice president and ritual chair at Congregation Beth Israel. Not having had a Bat Mitzvah when she was 13, she joined a group of adults at Congregation Beth Israel in 1993 that worked together to have an adult B’nai Mitzvah. Dee was very proud of her ability to read Hebrew. Dee was part of the founding group that started Temple Beth Shalom and was the initial Co-president from July 2000 to July 2004. She was a driving force that led to Temple Beth Shalom having a Chevra Kadisha as she felt strongly that the deceased should be treated with dignity in accordance with Jewish customs. She had many friends through her work at Congregation Beth Israel and Temple Beth Shalom and all aspects of her life. Dee was an outstanding cook and hostess, having many holiday dinners and gatherings throughout the years for her extended family and friends. She enjoyed coming up with fun new ways to serve meals. She loved to exercise throughout her life. Before she got sick this year, she was still walking 3 miles on a treadmill, jumping rope 500 times and doing 50 sit-ups daily. She was a strong supporter of her family and friends and would always tell you what she thought. She will be sorely missed and always remembered by everyone she touched. Anyone wishing to remember Dee with a donation might choose one of the following: Temple Beth Shalom, Hospice Austin, or the Alzheimer’s Association

Dee Coplin

June 2, 1936 - May 13, 2024