Obituary of Selma Coons

Selma Coons, 83, of Poughkeepsie, NY, died on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center after a long illness. Born in Poughkeepsie on July 25, 1926, she was the daughter of Samuel and Rose Weiss Tompkins. Selma was a 1944 graduate of Poughkeepsie High School and a 1948 graduate of Middlebury College, where she majored in French. After graduation from Middlebury College, she studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, where she perfected her grasp of the French language. Selma was a gifted teacher who taught in the Spackenkill School District for many years and was loved by all of her students. She frequently took her students to France so they could see the country that captivated her. She loved Paris and would travel there often with family, students, and friends. To complete her educational studies, Selma received her Masters Degree in Education at SUNY New Paltz. Over the years, Selma had many student teachers who learned at her capable hands and her students were fortunate to have her as their teacher. After she retired, she traveled more extensively all over Europe and did volunteer work with Meals on Wheels and was a docent with the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Valkill. Selma also tutored young school children as she felt this was a wonderful way to give back to her community. Her last years were spent at the Manor at Woodside where she enjoyed living. I would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Manor for their help and patience with Selma during the last years of her life. Selma also had many wonderful friends who always helped her and added joy to her life. They were there when her daughter could not be and I am most grateful for their help. On behalf of my mother and myself, I would like to say thank you for everything all of you did for us. You were a great comfort and joy to our lives. Selma is survived by one daughter, Laura Coons of Poughkeepsie, NY, and many cousins in and out of the area. She was predeceased by her parents and her companion, Norman Esplin. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be a luncheon to celebrate the life of Selma on Saturday, February 6th at the Manor at Woodside at 12 noon. All are welcome. Bring your memories and some good laughs as my mother liked to laugh and have a good time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY.