Ruth White Brodsky

Ruth White Brodsky, 98, passed away at her home on Sunday, January 6, 2019, with loved ones at her side. Always a gracious lady with a twinkle in her eye, she was devoted to her family, her many friends, and to the wider Houston community. She worked over many decades to improve the lives of Houston's children, beginning with Citizens for Good Schools in the 1950s. Her leadership at the Houston Jewish Community Center (JCC) led to the innovations of before-school, after-school, and infant day care in support of working parents. She had a 13-year career as a lay psychotherapist at the Texas Institute for Family Psychiatry, harnessing her intellect, insight, and profound empathy for her patients. Her focus on others drove her choices of career and causes. She served multiple organizations, including the United Way, SEARCH, the Houston Symphony, Initiatives for Children, Childbuilders, the JCC Association of North America, and the Dean's Council of the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Houston. Ruth served in the Walla Walla, Washington Police Dept. during World War II, while her husband, Dr. Alexander Brodsky MD, served in a nearby U.S. Army surgical hospital. He predeceased her in 1991. She received the JCC's David H. White Memorial Award for community service and personal integrity in 1986. She and her husband received the Max H. Nathan Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee in 1989. Ruth attracted countless friends and admirers of every age because she was a listener par excellence, who appreciated and highlighted the good in people. She was a woman of wise counsel, with a ready sense of humor; a mentor to many, she set the example of a good and ethical life. She is survived by her children: Donald Brodsky and wife Joanne, their children Harris Brodsky, Charles Brodsky and wife Colleen, and Lela Alexis Brodsky; James Brodsky and wife Cynthia Schneidler, their children Max Brodsky and wife Claudia, Gregor Brodsky, and Leonore Brodsky; and Ellen Brodsky Gaber, and with her late husband Brad Gaber, their children Nathan Gaber and Alicia Gaber. Contributions in Ruth's memory may be made to the Ruth Brodsky Professional Training Fund at the Houston JCC, 5601 South Braeswood, Houston, Texas 77096, or to a charity of your choice.

Ruth White Brodsky

July 11, 1920 - January 6, 2019