HORTENSE DEIFIK

FORT WORTH -- Hortense Charlotte Deifik, who devoted herself passionately to her family and volunteer work, died peacefully Thursday evening, May 23, 2013, during her 90th year, surrounded by her loving family.        Service: 11 a.m. Sunday in the Barnett Sanctuary at Congregation Ahavath Sholom, 4050 S. Hulen St., with Rabbi Andrew Bloom and Cantor Shoshana Abrams officiating. Following committal prayers, she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Steve, in Ahavath Sholom Cemetery.        Bearers of her casket will be Geoffrey Wayne, Christopher Jacobs, Alex Wayne, Jordan Deifik, Matthew Witheiler and Ed Bond. Shiva will be held on Sunday at the home of Alicia and Donnie Buescher with minyan service beginning at 6 p.m.        Memorials: Her family respectfully requests that no flowers be sent. Consideration of contributions to a charity of one's choice, in her memory, is suggested.        Born Oct. 27, 1922, in the Bronx, N.Y., Hortense lived in Queens and on Long Island before settling in Fort Worth in 1967.        Hortense attended Barnard College in New York City and was the first woman to manage the credit department of Bonwit Teller Department Store in Manhattan. After she married and had her five children, Hortense devoted herself to family and volunteer causes. She worked tirelessly for Hadassah, an American Jewish volunteer organization whose mission includes improvements in health, education, fighting anti-Semitism, promoting Israel's security, and encouraging stem-cell research. She served with distinction as the president of the Southwest Region of Hadassah and as president of the Jewish Federation of Fort Worth. Philanthropy and community service were not a choice for Hortense, they were necessary parts of living a life of substance for her. Hortense was also known for her love of literature, art and politics.        Her love for her children, and daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren was matched only by all of their deep love for and appreciation for her. She had energy to provide nurturing until her last few days and for that her family is forever grateful.        Hortense was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Wendy; and many dear friends, including Dave Eisenman.        Survivors: In addition to her children, Andrew Wayne and his wife, Winnie, Candace Jemilo and her husband, John, Alicia Buescher and her husband, Donnie, and Bruce Deifik and his wife, Nancy; grandchildren, Geoffrey and Lesley Wayne, Abby and Christopher Jacobs, Alex Wayne and fiance, Jess, Leahruth Jemilo and Stephanie Jemilo, Blair Lee and Staci Buescher, Jordan Deifik and Amanda and Matthew Witheiler; great-grandchildren, William and Elizabeth Wayne, Tyler and Jayden Jacobs and Gage Lee; and nieces, Judy, Linda and Robin and their families. Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals & Cremations 1500 Eighth Ave., 817-924-4233 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of HORTENSE DEIFIK please visit our Sympathy Store.