07/17/2026
Hope Schulz, animal rescuer, artist, professional fundraiser, and good friend to many passed away unexpectedly on May 30 of this year. Born January 31, 1965 in Muscatine, Iowa, Hope (as the adage goes) got to Texas as soon as she could, moving to Houston with her family as she entered elementary school. She graduated Westchester High School, then studied at the Art Institute of Houston, where she exhibited talent as a painter and illustrator. Following a short stint in Florida, where she worked as a model, Hope returned to Houston, eventually becoming a fundraiser at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, the Memorial Hermann Foundation, and Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services, where she oversaw campaigns, solicitations, and community events.
A cat lover from childhood on, in the early 2000s Hope began to rescue cats. A fierce advocate for kittens in particular, she became a recognized force in the rescue community, volunteering at Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue, where she was a board member and director of marketing, and acting as an administrator for the influential Facebook group Houston Area Cats and Kittens. Skilled in social media, Hope helped find loving homes for so many needy cats. Hope LOVED her dog Benny a Chihuahua with a personality of a cat.
In September 2022 Hope suffered an aortic dissection and survived a 10 ½ hour surgery, multiple surgeries, ongoing health issues and months of rehabilitation. This life-changing experience reinforced Hope’s faith in God, and she would listen to the sermon from Grace Bible Church of Houston every Sunday.
Hope was proud American. She loved her country and wrapped herself in the American flag. Her father had been in the Navy during WWII, which instilled in her a deep appreciation of the US Military Services. She was a big supporter of Tunnels of Towers.
She was preceded in death by her father Emil Henry Schulz and mother Norma Lee Schulz. She is survived by brother Steve Schulz and family, brother William Schulz and family, sister Nancy Schulz-Dowdle and family, and boyfriend Douglas Gerow.
A Celebration of Life for Hope with be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 5 to 6:30 p.m at
Chuy’s 2706 Westheimer Road, Houston TX 77098. All are invited to attend and share in her remembrance. Wear your favorite cat T-shirt in honor of Hope who so loved all kitties.
In lieu of flowers people are asked to donate to their favorite charity or John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health ,
Tunnel to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org
