CIS Houston says goodbye to a great friend and supporter

NONA JANE NATHAN MARKS passed away on February 27, 2007. Nonie was born in Houston, Texas, on June 24, 1930, a twin daughter of Gertrude and Seymour Nathan. She graduated from San Jacinto Senior High School and the University of Colorado, where she studied education. Nonie's professional and civic careers were expansive. She was a teacher in the Houston Independent School District for 13 years, after which she launched a successful business career as co-founder of Needle Nuts, Inc., a retail needlepoint materials distributor, which she ran for 20 years. Nonie's passion for service to others guided her civic endeavors. Nonie served on the board of trustees of The Hospice at the Texas Medical Center as a member, officer and co-chair. She was the founder of the Center for Hearing and Speech's Auxiliary; vice-president of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Israel; a member of the Foundation Board of Houston Eye Associates; and a volunteer at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Communities in Schools and End Hunger Network. Nonie loved the arts, and was an avid collector of paintings, prints and sculpture and a patron of the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Symphony. Nonie's life revolved around her family. She was married to Richard E. Marks, principal of GEM Insurance Agencies, for 47 years until his death in 2001. Together, they raised two wonderful children, cultivated a community of friends and colleagues, and traveled the world. Nonie is survived by her daughter, Betsy Schreiber and husband, Edward; son Kenneth Marks and wife, Elena; grandchildren Jessica and Emily Schreiber and Andy, Elliot and Evan Marks; and her twin sister, Joanna Brofman and husband David Brofman. Nonie had many wonderful, lifelong friends with whom she shared her life. She was especially grateful for the love and care shown to her by Candy Blackwell, Yolanda Sam-Tillman and Doris Cash. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, the 28th of February 2007 at Temple Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood with Rabbi David Lyon and Cantor Robert M. Gerber officiating. Interment will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery (Antoine). Donations can be made to TIRR Foundation, 4605 Post Oak Place, Suite 222, Houston, Texas, 77027.