Selma Herman's Obituary
Selma Herman (1924-2020) was born on a cold and blustery winter's day, December 21st, 1924. Born into humble beginnings and the loving home of Lena and Jacob Ginsberg, she took up residence and life on Timpson Place in the Bronx with her parents and then, younger brother, Alvin. It was on this street in the Bronx where she would later meet, fall in love and marry her husband Jess. They were to be married 70 years. The Hermans lived on one side of the street, the Ginsberg family on the other. It was in NYC that the Ginsberg and Herman families would grow and prosper. On the Ginsberg side, Selma's father was in partnership in the ladies’ garment business, making ladies' dresses with his brother, 'Uncle Louie'. Her brother Alvin was a rising star within the Zale Corporation, having married Anne, giving birth to Rona, Marc and Neil. Jess, like his father, joined in the food service industry, working along side his father and mother with a selfless devotion.
The grandparents on the Herman side (Albert and Tillie) and on the Ginsberg side (Jacob and Lena), along with all the aunts and uncles, were actively engaged in the rearing and upbringing of all the children, and on both sides of the family. For example, they would, all, en masse travel from the Bronx, Queens, and later Nassau county to Rockaway Beach, where on Beach 28th Street, each family unit would come to occupy summer bungalows where the children and families would congregate on the beach, daily. It was the best of times...
Selma and Jess, each outlived most of their NYC friends and family members: they stayed married much longer than many people sustain life. Yet, some of their closest friends (for example, Shirley and Sam) migrated to south Florida for 'retirement'. It was, indeed, Sam who helped pick the plot of land where Selma, Jess, Camille and the Herman family's four-legged furry friend du jour would take up residence.
Selma flourished in Florida, becoming the center of everyone's attention and affection...whether with Hadassah, the women's groups at Valencia Shores, her card- and Mah jong- playing, casino-going and other philanthropic or meet up 'n have a nosh groupings. Selma Herman was not just in touch with people and things: she was either in charge or took charge!
With the rising up of her two sons, Sanford (Sandy) and Ira, she was blessed: by their devotion to work and family, by their betrothals, and especially by the grandchildren that followed. Truly, Selma was exceedingly proud of her children and her children's children, who she cared deeply about.
Selma Herman was a woman of indelible resilience and remarkable courage who possessed an undying love of all who survive her, now. Adam, her oldest grandson, having wed Rose and gifted Selma and Jess with their first great grandchild, Alex. Elizabeth, her only granddaughter, made Selma so exceptionally proud for all of her accomplishments at such a young age and especially to have another female in the family. Together with her remarkable and beloved ‘daughter’ Camille, who came to Selma and Jess’ side in mid-life, showering each of them with her own sense of resilience, patience, devotion and unconditional love. Her youngest grandchild, Loren who recently wed Inbal, delivered to Selma and the family a wedding ceremony and celebration that she loved, dancing the night away; and, more recently, the delivery of Selma’s second great grandchild, Blake, who must wait to hear stories told of her most amazing great grandmother.
To speak of the power, safety and love that family can bring, Selma and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were recently together in NYC with Sandy, Ira, Camille, Patti, Deanna and Matt, along with so many other close friends, colleagues and congressional leaders, all in awe of Elizabeth's NY Times book launch. In the book’s forward, you can read Elizabeth's inspiring dedication to her grandmother and all the remarkable women who have been instrumental in shaping her life, offering impetus for the book, entitled, 'The Women of the 116th Congress: Portraits of Power'. Selma was interminably blessed to have and hold onto her robust life and family during her living years, extending well beyond anyone's hopes and dreams.
Per her request, Selma will be moved from Florida to her birth state where she will be laid to rest in the Herman family plot at Beth Moses Cemetery, W. Babylon, NY. Jess’ remains will also travel with Selma where he will also come to rest. Below, is the link to the funeral service and burial, which will take place on Sunday August 9th at 2 pm and will be presided over by the Herman family's beloved Rabbi, Keith Stern.
Selma Herman Burial and Funeral Service 2 pm, Sunday August 9, 2020 as we gather graveside in loving honor and memory of a remarkable woman and life force, Selma Herman.
Remembrances of Selma Herman, in lieu of flowers, should be delivered to the Susan G. Komen Foundation whose mission is to eradicate breast cancer within our lifetime.
What’s your fondest memory of Selma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Selma?
Share a story where Selma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Selma you’ll never forget.
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