Our mother Selma Dressler passed away peacefully on April 2 after an extended illness, at age 96.
Born Selma Rosenblum in Bayonne, New Jersey on December 8, 1928, Selma was the oldest child of Morris and Ann Rosenblum, and was soon joined by sister Marilyn. Selma grew up in a tight-knit extended family in the Bronx, attending school there. She later attended Queens College where she earned her degree in Social Work, ably serving juvenile clients and their families.
In her late 20’s, Selma bravely followed her sister Marilyn 3,000 miles west to California. It was there she met the love of her life, Harold Dressler. It took Harold only 6 years to ask Selma for her hand in marriage. Once wed and settled in Oxnard, CA they wasted no time and produced 3 children in a span of 4 years: Sharon, Larry and Brian.
As her children grew older, Selma became very involved in local government, appointed to the Oxnard City Planning Commission and the Ventura County Grand jury. She grew to love and excel at her role, drawing respect and admiration from government officials and community members for her insight and intelligence.
Selma was known for her outstanding hostess skills: she loved and excelled at “setting a fine table” with plentiful food and lovely décor. Over the years many strangers were invited for a meal, always leaving as friends. Selma was an expert at needlepoint, crochet and knitting, making many cherished afghans, scarves and gift items for friends and family over the years, these often created in her “Stitch and Bitch” meetings with beloved girlfriends. She was a rabid reader of mysteries, a MahJong ace with high-stakes penny antes, and lover of classical music. She was an active member of her Jewish community at Temple Beth Torah in Ventura, CA, and served in several leadership roles there over the years.
Selma will be remembered not just as a beloved wife, mother, “Bubbe”, aunt, sister and friend. She will be remembered as a “Mensch” who treated every person she met with dignity and generosity.
Selma is survived by her children Sharon Kipersztok (Oscar Kipersztok), Larry Dressler (Rose Barrios), and Brian Dressler; and grandchildren Josh Kipersztok, and Alysa Kipersztok (Ian Burtt); as well as beloved nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Harold Dressler in 2008.
A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Torah in Ventura, CA on Monday, April 7 at 11:30 AM. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider Temple Beth Torah (www.templebethtorah.com (attn: Dressler Shiva Platter Fund), or the FSHD Society (www.fshdsociety.org ).