ARLENE IDERIS SMITH, passed away unexpectedly on July 19th, 2010 in Nacogdoches, TX. She was born in Houston, TX on March 27th, 1977. Arlene was a bright star that lit up and spread throughout to everyone she met. She had a way of bringing friends together, building bonds where there would not have been. She loved her husband and children and had a contagious passion for life, and in everything she did. Her life inspired many, and all who knew her and loved her will carry her legacy on through faith and hope, she will be dearly missed by family and friends. Arlene was a graduate of Beth Yeshurun's religious school, and graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Merchandising; she also obtained her teacher's certificate. Arlene is survived by her loving husband, Jeremy Smith; beloved children, Maya and Toby Smith; her Mother, Mirtha Fromer Ideris; her father, Martin Ideris and his wife Myrna Aber; brother, A.J. Ideris. In-laws, Dudley & Kathy Smith; brother and sister in-law, Brandon & Jessi Smith. Maternal Grandparents, Bernardo & Sylvia Fromer. Preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Schucem & Jocha Gordin Ideris. Deeply mourned by her Aunts, Uncles; Susie & Isaac Johary; Rose Gordon Finkelman; Flora and Sol Wachsberg; Cousins; Natalie, Ari and Daniel Johary; Sammy & wife Sharon Gordon; Sandra & husband Steve Finkelman; Sarah & husband Eric Gibbs; Debbi Wachsberg; Simon & wife Audrey Wachsberg; Steve Wachsberg. Funeral services were held on July 22, 2010 in the Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, Rabbi Jack Segal officiated. Continued Shiva services will be held at the home of Mirtha Former Ideris, 2515 White Oaks Dr., Houston, TX, 77009 at 7:30 pm on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish National Fund (JNF), which will allow for trees to be planted in the land of Israel in memory of Arlene Smith. The number for the JNF is 1-800-542-8733 or you may visit their website at www.jnf.org.

Published in Houston Chronicle on July 25, 2010