Leila Jacobs
August 28, 1924 - February 6, 2018

Leila Jacobs passed away on February 6, 2018.  She was born in Queens, New York on August 28, 1924 to Alexander and Gertrude Cohen.  She is survived by her daughter, Gerry and husband Thomas Melot of Houston, grandson Ted Melot and wife Zoe and their daughter Marlowe of Grapevine, TX. , her sister and brother in law Herma and Harry Werner, her sister in law Shirley Urgenson and a host of nieces and nephews. Leila was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonard Jacobs, her brother and sister in law Victor and Joan Cowen, another brother and sister in law Harvey and Cynthia Cowen, sister in law Ruth Gendel and brother in law Arthur Jacobs.

Leila grew up in Sunnyside, NY as the oldest of 4 children.  She stayed extremely close to her siblings and their families all of her life despite moving across the county.

At age 12 Lee received scholarships to the Leonardo Da Vinci School of Art and The National Academy of Allied Arts.  Upon graduating from high school she received a scholarship to Cooper Union Art & Engineering College where she earned a degree in Fine Art. This is where she met her soulmate and husband Leonard.  Their love of art, dancing, travel and theater kept their 64 year marriage interesting.

Leila lived in North Bellmore on Long Island where she raised her only child Gerry. She began doing pastel portraits on commission as well as painting in oils. She was asked to teach art classes and taught both children and adults. She had several art shows in the area. In 1961 the family moved to Philadelphia.  She had her first one woman show there at the Penn Art Center Gallery.  She continued teaching art and doing portrait commissions.  In the summer of 1962 Len, Lee and Gerry spent 3 months sketching their way through Europe. They lived in a Volkswagen camping bus and had amazing adventures.  Lee and Len continued to travel extensively throughout their lives and discovered staying in hotels was a more comfortable way to travel.

Upon return from Europe, the family moved to Houston where Lee spent the rest of her life.  Lee taught art classes at Memorial Drive Methodist Church, Church of the Ascension, St. Thomas More Catholic Church and Texas Art Supply. She continued to make her own paintings with oil and acrylic and create pastel and oil portraits on commission.  She studied pottery at the MFAH school and became an accomplished potter.  In 1973 she had a one woman show at the Neil Rizk Gallery.  Lee eventually had her dream of a real art studio realized. Designed by her son in law Tom, it was built in back of the house and that was pretty much the last anyone saw of Lee!

Leila loved, attended and supported the Houston Grand Opera, SPA, Houston Ballet, Alley Theater, MFAH, Country Playhouse and in addition, lent support to many Jewish and political causes.

She was a loving mother, mother in law, grandmother and finally great grandmother.  Spending time with her grandson Ted was a highlight of her life.  One little known fact about Lee is that she was a great cook and enjoyed throwing parties for their many friends from the Country Playhouse (where they both acted).

Lee lived independently in her home until age 93 when Hurricane Harvey decided it was time for her to move. Thank you to Jennifer and Linda who helped her while she was at home.  We want to also thank those from Seasons Hospice, Family Tree and Villages of Meyerland who ensured that her last days were good ones.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Leila's name to the Jewish Federation or the Houston Food Bank.

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