Selma Cramer

Selma Moon Cramer, 92, of Ellenville, died Friday, June 7, 2013 at HealthAlliance Hospital Mary's Ave Campus. Born in New York City, she was a daughter of the late William & Ida Vogel Silverman. Selma was an outspoken feminist and a passionate advocate for progressive special education. She worked for the inclusion of people with disabilities in workplaces and educational settings. Her daughter, grandchildren, and grandson-in-law are all educators. A graduate of Hunter College and Columbia University, Selma was a veteran who served as a second lieutenant in the Women's Army Air Corps. in World War II. Selma was also a writer and a poker shark who loved movies, plays, and vodka martinis with olives, very dry. She played Texas Hold'em and read Pride & Prejudice every year. For a decade in her 70's and 80's, she spent three months a year in Las Vegas, playing cards at the Circus Circus. Selma is survived by a daughter, Micah Brown, and her husband, Steven, of Poughquag, and two grandchildren, Thea Brown and her husband, Nate, of Washington, DC and William Brown, of Carbondale, CO. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013, at Montrepose Cemetery at 10:00 AM, with Rabbi Yael Romer officiating. Military honors will be provided by Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 Color Guard. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Arlington Education Foundation, 144 Todd Hill Road, LaGrangeville, NY 12603.