Etta Rae Weiss

Rae Weiss had a spirit that shone from her dazzling aqua-green eyes and beautiful smile. It infused all her many passions and varied endeavors, her dedication to her husband and family, her long-lasting friendships and love for all living things from her beloved dogs and cats, every tree and flower she encountered or grew, to the wildlife and nature she embraced with awe and the wonders of all the places she traveled. Rae was driven by a love of knowledge, a determination of purpose, an adventurousness in trying new things and improving old ones and always, always with a quick and wry sense of humor and appreciative laughter. She was known by many as the world’s best cook, and her standards and talents in her kitchen (aka Café Rae) spoiled her family and friends. An avid birder later in life, Rae delighted in the wide array of visitors to feeders in her ever-flourishing garden, a pair of binoculars always close at hand. She was born Etta Rae Dubov in Kansas City, Missouri on March 9, 1932 to Albert and Goldie Dubov, brother William and sister Elaine. Albert’s family had immigrated in 1909 after having survived a pogrom in their Russian village. Albert died when Rae was 6 and the family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana to be close to relatives. Goldie died 7 years later and her sister Elaine became Rae’s guardian. After graduating from C. E. Byrd High School, Rae became a Delta Airlines ticket agent and transferred to Love Field Airport when she and Elaine moved to Dallas. One day, her friend Myrna Ries (nee Zapruder), introduced her to a young law student, Ronnie Weiss. They were married at Temple Emanuel on December 18, 1955. Last month, in December 2025, Rae and Ronnie together celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in the embrace of many friends and wonderful memories. Notably, the event was attended by Myrna Ries. Rae had the first 2 of their children in Jacksonville, Florida during Ronnie’s Navy service. In 1959 the young family returned to Dallas with Lorraine and Karen, a Dalmatian named Misdemeanor, and an avocado tree. Daughter Diane arrived the following year and when, 6 weeks later, the family went camping at Rio Frio in Texas, Rae warmed the baby formula over the campfire. Rae’s community work included The National Council of Jewish Women, the Jewish Federation and the Temple Shalom religious school, and she passed the tradition of community service onto her daughters. But it was her involvement with the Girl Scouts that proved seminal. Rae was a scout leader and then Neighborhood Chairwoman where she befriended 8 other leaders. They soon transformed into a veritable gang who came to call themselves “The Therapy Group.” With ironclad dedication, they spent over a half a century traveling, playing and laughing harder than any outsider can ever know, never missing a birthday or potential chance for celebration for the remainder of each of their lives. Rae worked for many years at the Dallas Apparel Mart during market shows as part of their buyers’ registration team, donning whatever theme costume the Mart deigned, and bringing home entertaining stories from the day’s unusual encounters. She was assigned a particular entrance which was eventually labeled “Rae’s door” on the printed map of the mart, an acknowledgement of her executive and personal skills. Rae returned to travel, first becoming a travel agent and finally opening her own agency, “Time to Travel.” In the pre-internet era, powered only by old-fashioned research, Rae’s standard for detail and knowledge sent many on meticulously-planned excursions near and far. She proudly handled travel for The Dallas Jewish Federation’s mission trips to Israel. She and Ronnie traveled the globe, visiting over 40 countries, and traveled widely within the US, often with family and friends, a highlight in all of their lives. Among the national parks and areas of historic, cultural and natural interest, Rae especially enjoyed walking in the Redwood forests, snorkeling and anything that included animals and gardens. For the past several years, Rae and Ronnie have lived at the Legacy Midtown Park senior community, and in their late years found there a rich, vibrant and loving community of new and old dear friends. Rae Weiss passed away on January 22, 2026 at home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her dedicated and beloved husband, Ronald, their three daughters, Lorraine, Karen and Diane, grandchildren, Sierra Liora Weiss and Austin Weiss-Cox, great-grandson, Zephyr Weiss, Malti-Poo Emma, dear cousins, nieces, nephews and all living things her spirit touched. In accordance with Jewish tradition, the family requests no flowers. Donations may be sent to Jewish Family Service, The Sierra Club or a charity of your choice. Graveside service family only. Memorial service Wednesday, January 28, 2:30 pm, Legacy Midtown Park, 8240 Manderville Lane, Dallas, 75231. Reception following. Shiva, Thursday, January 29, 7:00 pm, Vista Lounge, Legacy Midtown Park.

Etta Rae Weiss

March 9, 1932 - January 22, 2026