Edith Alexander Selinger Gubkin

Edith Alexander Selinger Gubkin, 94, died January 3, 2014 after a short illness. Though so many loved ones passed away before her, she had a sunny disposition that charmed everyone. Always on the go, she often sang her theme song “Enjoy yourself, it’s later than you think.” Edith was twice-widowed: by Jack Selinger in 1961 and by Sam Gubkin in 1981. Most of her family perished in the Holocaust. Those left to celebrate her life include her only child, Steven Joseph Selinger and his wife, Patricia; her cousin Agnes Tennenbaum, with whom she survived Auschwitz; Agnes’ son Henry Schwarzberg and his wife Diane; and extended family and friends.

Edith was born in Miskolc, Hungary January 8, 1919 to Yolanda Lovinger and Sandor Alexander. From an early age she demonstrated great sewing skills and became a professional dressmaker. After escaping the Nazis, Americans housed her and other women in a German castle where, despite sickness, she made new clothes from curtains and whatever else she could find. In 1948 she and Jack Selinger joined American relatives in New York City where she worked in Manhattan’s high fashion houses. Edith was renowned as the Best Buttonhole Maker on Seventh Avenue.

She moved to Hopewell, Virginia with Jack and Steven in 1954 where she dedicated herself to homemaking and motherhood, though she continued working privately. She gave her time freely to many organizations and spoke widely of her wartime experience. Her Holocaust testimony has been recorded by the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation. She taught tolerance, compassion, and diversity in thoughts, words, and deeds.

A life member of Temple Brith Achim, 314 West South Boulevard, Petersburg, Virginia, Edith will be celebrated there on her 95th birthday, January 8, at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. Professional services provided by J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a contribution to Temple Brith Achim, www.brithachimva.org/ , or your favorite charity.