Estelle Raskin Magid

Estelle Raskin Magid January 27, 1926 - July 4, 2025 Estelle Raskin Magid, beloved matriarch and force of nature, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 4, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, just six months shy of her 100th birthday. Born on January 27, 1926, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Ida (née Hanin) and Harry O. Raskin—both immigrants from Schedrin, Belarus—Estelle was the youngest of four children in the large, tight-knit Raskin family that significantly contributed to building and sustaining Sioux City's Jewish community. A woman of extraordinary beauty both inside and out, Estelle met her beloved husband, Nathan (“Nate”) Magid, at a JCC event while he was stationed nearby during World War II. They married on November 4, 1945, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 67 years. Together, they built a legacy of love that would grow to include four children, eleven grandchildren, and twenty-two great-grandchildren, alongside two treasured family businesses: first, Miller Liquor Store in N. Sioux City, SD (South Dakota’s largest), and then for 25 years, Raskin Packing Co. in Sioux City. Estelle was deeply involved with Shaare Zion Synagogue in Sioux City and with Hadassah, as a life member, for close to 80 years. She and Nate traveled the world together, creating cherished memories across the globe. Estelle and Nate relocated to Dallas in 1982 to be closer to their children. "Family first" was her unwavering credo—she lived and breathed family. Shortly after settling in Dallas, Estelle embarked on a successful career as a realtor with Murray Realtors, consistently reaching the level of million-dollar producer—a testament to her determination, business acumen, and ability to connect with people. Estelle approached life the way she cooked—sweet and salty. She was warm, caring, kind, and a brilliant and talented cook whose baking abilities were renowned. Her legendary mandelbrodt, especially the paper-thin variety that melted in your mouth, and her homemade applesauce, were just two of the many ways she nourished both body and soul. A woman of many talents and interests, Estelle was a formidable mahjong player and an avid enthusiast of the daily crossword puzzle and word search game—never missing a day. In her final year, she found immense joy in soaking up the sun for hours, appreciating life’s basic pleasures. Estelle was the quintessential mother and grandmother. She and Nate were constant presences in their children's and grandchildren's lives, attending every school event and celebration. Even in recent years, she continued this tradition with her great-grandchildren, just recently having the honor of giving the first haircut at her great-grandson, Harry Magid’s, Upsherin ceremony—a moment of pure joy that brought tears to all who witnessed it. Behind Estelle’s strong personality was a heart even bigger than her formidable presence. She was the rock at the core of her very large and adoring family, creating a legacy of love through Shabbat dinners, Jewish holidays, perfectly set tables, and unwavering devotion to her faith and family. Estelle was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Nate; her parents; her sister, Maxine Raskin Slotsky; and her brothers; Larry Raskin and Sidney Raskin. She is survived by her four devoted children: Larry (Kathy) Magid of Dallas, Jeff (Lynn) Magid of Dallas, Linda (Alan) Lato of Phoenix, and Lisa (Ira) Kravitz of Dallas. She is also survived by her 11 adoring grandchildren: Julie (David) Levenstein, Jennifer (Michael) Robbins, Alyson (Aaron) Epstein, A.J. (Zoe) Magid, Kelsey (David) Marcus, Kirby Magid, Jeremy Lato, Andrea (Darren) Fanton, Michelle (Dan) Durbin, Alexa Kravitz, and Jayme (Cameron) Burk, along with 22 loving great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held on July 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM in Lefkowitz Chapel, Temple Emanu-El, 8500 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, co-officiated by Rabbis Howard Wolk and Michael Lewis. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers included: Larry Magid, Jeff Magid, A.J. Magid, Ira Kravitz, Cameron Burk, David Marcus, Aaron Epstein, Alan Lato, Bob Tessler, and Fred Slotsky. A shiva Minyan was held that evening at the home of Lisa & Ira Kravitz. The family is deeply appreciative of Estelle’s caretaker, Slyde, who provided comfort, stability, and dignity in her final year of life, and to the Legacy Midtown Park, her home for the past 3.5 years. The family asks that those wishing to honor Estelle’s memory consider donating to one of the following institutions: The Legacy Senior Communities of Dallas, Akiba Yavneh Academy of Dallas, Jewish Family Service of Greater Dallas, or to a charity of your choice.