Selma Dreiseszun, 96, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Nov. 7, 2022, in the family home where she lived for 68 years, surrounded by family.
Selma was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Henry and Fanny Walker on Dec. 23, 1925. When she was three years old, her family moved to Kansas City. She attended Paseo High School and graduated in 1942. While there, Selma was instrumental in starting the Zeta Kappa Jewish sorority. Her sorority sisters became lifelong friends who met regularly to share their life experiences. She was the last surviving member of this group.
Selma was an active mother before beginning her professional career. During her sons’ early school years, she was a den mother for four years and was active with the PTA throughout their schooling. During the summers between 1960 and 1977, she was Director and Instructor for the American Red Cross Swim Program at Prairie Village Pool in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Selma also worked as a Crew Leader for the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in the 1970 and 1980 U.S. Census. She earned a degree in Sociology from UMKC in 1975 and was a master’s candidate in social psychology. She became a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 1972. While working toward her degrees, she worked in multiple positions at UMKC, including as an administrative assistant in the English Department (eight years), Engineering Department (two years), the Music Conservatory (two years) and as a Production Assistant for KCUR Public Radio for two years.
For entertainment, she enjoyed playing bridge and mah jongg, bird watching, making pottery and knitting. Her true passions were her rose garden, family genealogy and collecting music boxes.
Selma is survived by her three sons, Justin (Anita), Howard (Molly) and Neil (Marjie); two grandchildren, Nathan and Robin; two great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Parker; and many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Fanny and Henry Walker; brother Warren Walker; sister Iris Chaikin; and aunt Mary Rothberg.
A graveside service was held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Nov. 9 with Rabbi David Glickman of Congregation Beth Shalom officiating. Louis Memorial Chapel handled the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.; Linda Hall Library in Kansas City, Missouri; or the public broadcasting station of your choice. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her many kind caregivers, wonderful friends, and magnificent neighbors who always were there for Selma.
Selma was an enthusiastic, warm, and loving person. She never held back her expressions of love and affection and never lost her curiosity and appreciation of the world around her.
