Selma as a teenager.
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Selma as a school teacher.
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Remembering Selma Mae Bassett Edinger, Kfeirian Reunion Secretary
by Abe Bassett
Selma (May 7, 1916-September 23, 2012) was Mama’s Rahija’s girl, the one who learned to cook Arabic food, and the one who best absorbed Mama’s stories and culture. They lived together for many years; Selma was Mama’s chauffeur and Mama was Selma’s baby sitter. Mama was storyteller and Selma was genealogist.
She was the family’s athlete. She was the most coordinated and had the best figure. Others always saw Selma as cute, petite, energetic and gracious being very liberal in her gift giving. She was a Red Cross certified swimming instructor and lifeguard, and a tennis and basketball player. She was always ready for a competitive game. Once during a 4th of July gathering, we were playing volleyball in our back yard, and Selma, then in her 70’s played with those much younger, even though her mobility was limited.
I would also describe her as adventuresome. While touring in Syria, very rough waters made the proposed trip to Arwad Island risky. No one wished to go in the small boat except Selma, age 82, who said she would go if someone would join her. No one did.
Selma was my Band Director in Junior High School, and was responsible for my playing the trombone. We traveled to distant West Virginia cities for band competitions. She is responsible for my love of classical music and for knowing all the Sousa marches.
For more than two decades she was devoted to the Kfeirian Reunion as secretary.
by Abe Bassett
Selma (May 7, 1916-September 23, 2012) was Mama’s Rahija’s girl, the one who learned to cook Arabic food, and the one who best absorbed Mama’s stories and culture. They lived together for many years; Selma was Mama’s chauffeur and Mama was Selma’s baby sitter. Mama was storyteller and Selma was genealogist.
She was the family’s athlete. She was the most coordinated and had the best figure. Others always saw Selma as cute, petite, energetic and gracious being very liberal in her gift giving. She was a Red Cross certified swimming instructor and lifeguard, and a tennis and basketball player. She was always ready for a competitive game. Once during a 4th of July gathering, we were playing volleyball in our back yard, and Selma, then in her 70’s played with those much younger, even though her mobility was limited.
I would also describe her as adventuresome. While touring in Syria, very rough waters made the proposed trip to Arwad Island risky. No one wished to go in the small boat except Selma, age 82, who said she would go if someone would join her. No one did.
Selma was my Band Director in Junior High School, and was responsible for my playing the trombone. We traveled to distant West Virginia cities for band competitions. She is responsible for my love of classical music and for knowing all the Sousa marches.
For more than two decades she was devoted to the Kfeirian Reunion as secretary.
