Selma Cooley

January 28, 1927 - October 26, 2025

Selma Finkelstein Cooley, age 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 26, 2025, at Jerome Home in New Britain, Connecticut.

Selma lived a long, full, and joyful life-one marked by curiosity, generosity, and love. Her laughter, kindness, and unwavering encouragement will be missed deeply by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Selma was the third of four children born to Esther Scharaga Finkelstein (who immigrated from Russia as a child) and Isadore Sydney Finkelstein (whose family came from Austria). She was introduced to Dave Cooley (dentist) by her brother and sister-in-law, Jerome and Dorothy Finkelstein. In 1947, they married. Together they built a wonderful life and home in Springfi eld, MA, raising two daughters, sharing countless laughs, and surrounding themselves with dear friends (and their beloved dogs, including one with limited mobility).

Selma grew up in Rockaway Beach, NY, in a family with limited means. She had an

extraordinary mind and was valedictorian of her 8th-grade class at PS44. After graduating from Far Rockaway High School, she attended Brooklyn Community College for a year and worked for a modeling agency. She later earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from American International College and went on to thrive as a fi fth-grade teacher in Longmeadow Public Schools. She loved teaching and brought energy, creativity, and compassion to her classroom. One of her former students recently described her as 'the best teacher.'

Beyond her work, Selma was endlessly curious and full of life. She played golf (even achieving a hole-in-one), bowled, did chair yoga, played bridge (earning master points), square-danced, played the piano, and played tennis. She also sewed, knitted, crocheted, read, and enjoyed playing Boggle and doing crossword puzzles. She adored chocolate almond chip ice cream with hot fudge and cherished time around the kitchen table with friends and family as we drank coff ee, talked, and laughed. She enjoyed season tickets to the theater and symphony. She found joy in traveling with Dave, friends, and family both in the U.S. and abroad. She loved her childhood dogs and inspired her children and grandchildren to be animal lovers. She was famous in our family for hosting a large annual Thanksgiving dinner that we all looked forward to attending. She always said it was "her" holiday.

Selma's motto was "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," and she lived it fully-encouraging her children and everyone she loved to embrace adventure,

learning, caring, humor, and honesty. She was inclusive to her core-always making sure no one was left out-and her warmth drew people in wherever she went.

Selma also dedicated much of her time to volunteering. She conducted vision screenings for young children, served on the Valley District Branch of the Tufts Dental Women's Committee (chairing their Models for Fashion Show), and led events for the Shaker Farms Women's Golf Association. At 80, she volunteered at the Leavitt Family Jewish Home, and she delivered food from restaurants to community shelters.

At 89, Selma moved to Glenmeadow Senior Living in Longmeadow, MA; then, at 95, she moved to Orchard Valley at Wilbraham. Finally, at 98, she moved to Jerome Home in New Britain, CT, to be closer to her daughter.

Selma was predeceased by her beloved husband Dave, her parents Esther and Isadore, her sister Rhoda, her brother Jerome, her nieces Mary Scheer and Carol Finkelstein Hinton, her nephew Steve Finkelstein, her grandson Christopher Gennett, and her son-in-laws Dave Clifton and Larry Gennett.

She is survived by her devoted daughters, Ivey and Eileen Cooley; her brother Alvin Finkelstein; her grandchildren Daniela Gennett (Luis Contreras), Dana Gennett, Dana Clifton (Matt Aitken), Michael Clifton (Caroline Clifton), and three great-grandchildren: Madeleine, Savannah, and Jack. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will cherish her memory.

A private burial service for the family will be held on Sunday, November 2, at Sinai Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to join in sitting Shiva that evening at Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson Street, Springfi eld, Massachusetts, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of fl owers, Selma requested that memorial contributions be made to any of the following:

• The David M. Cooley Endowment Fund of Sinai Temple, 1100 Dickinson Street, Springfi eld, MA

• American International College, 1000 State Street, Springfi eld, MA - in memory of Selma Cooley, to be directed to the Trustees' Unrestricted Endowment Fund

• Western New England University School of Law, Springfi eld, MA - in memory of David M. Cooley