Hildi Jean Haikin Cabot

Following a long and bravely fought illness, Hildi Haikin Cabot passed away peacefully Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was 72.

Hildi was born in Houston, May 22, 1953, to Josie and Mike Haikin, a bowling alley owner and a sports writer, both with humor and Houston sports teams in their DNA, passed on to Hildi, sister Roxanne and elder brother Ricky.

She attended Bellaire High School and later graduated from the University of Texas, returning to Houston to begin her career in jewelry sales and gemology.

She married Gary Cabot in 1980 and gave birth to her “angel” Samantha in 1983, which Hildi routinely described as her greatest joy and accomplishment of her life.

Her career took her from the jewelry cases of Maurice Levit, Past Era, and finally to Tenenbaum Jewelry, where she was highly sought by her loyal customer following. Hildi remained one of their top salespeople and experts in diamonds until the onset of illness from cancer led to her retirement.

Hildi’s road to health was a circuitous one, plagued by addictions that she steadfastly refused to let stray her from the path for long. Courage, humor, and the support of family and friends however cleared the way for her 25-year sobriety. She credits Chris, her sponsor, and her many friends at Alcoholics Anonymous for her new lease on life this past quarter century.

She has been a stellar aunt to her nieces, Ellyn and Jennifer, and their children, attending their events, games and family celebrations. And, she was a doting grandmother to the loves of her life, Jaxton and Parker, regularly traveling to Victoria to cheer them on in little league and grandson hijinks.

Her sobriety, bravery, and rapier wit helped her survive the losses of her parents and siblings and face the uphill battle of her diminishing health.

Thanks to the steadfast care from close friends and family, Hildi maintained her infectious laugh and dignity until the end.

Hildi was preceded in death by parents, Josie and Mike Haikin; sister, Roxanne Haikin Meyerson; brother, Ricky Haikin; infant niece, Jennie Elizabeth; and nephew, Alexander Meyerson.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Samantha Louise Penland (Robert); grandchildren, Jaxton James and Parker Myles Penland; sister-in-law, Roslyn Fuchs Haikin; brother-in-law, Steven Fuchs; brother-in-law, Jerry Meyerson; nieces and nephews, Ellyn Haikin Josef (Adam) and Jennifer Haikin Zach (Ron); Zac Meyerson (Ashley); great nieces and nephews, Ryan and Avery Josef, and Hudson, Hogan and Harper Zach.

Hildi was blessed with outstanding care of which family and friends are eternally grateful: “Guardian Angel” Maria Menendez and Loreena Ross and her staff at Perfect Touch Homecare Services.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at Emanu El Memorial Park, 8341 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77074.

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