Irene M. Selig

Irene M. Selig died peacefully, Sunday, December 26, 2021, a few weeks short of her 95th birthday. Born in Krakow, Poland on February 22, 1927, she was the only child of Henya (Badner) Groessler and Konrad Groessler.

She was a Holocaust survivor.  She was dealt a tough hand in her life, and had a very difficult last year, but she was a fighter. She was feisty, funny, as vain as they come, opinionated… She was a force of nature, with strong convictions, strength, and so much energy and passion for what she believed. She had a lioness’ voice, especially for those without one.

Irene was fiercely loyal to family and friends and was always a cheerleader for her family.  She cherished her children, grandchildren, and great-grand children, and no less her extended family by marriage.  She was passionate about climate change, the natural habitat, and recycling, and she always rooted for the underdog and the downtrodden.

Despite being a Holocaust survivor, she treasured her early life in Krakow.  She returned to Poland three times, with her husband, children, and other family members, and it was a privilege for them to see her so animated and happy to show her children her old stomping ground. Although petite in stature, she was larger than life, and somehow found it in her heart to forgive what had been done to her. You can read more about that here.

She lived in Stamford, CT from 1963-2018. She then moved to Westwood, MA with her husband of 48 years, Edward Selig, to be closer to her children.

She is survived by her husband Edward Selig, daughter Dianne (Botkin) Lior of Cambridge MA, son Bradley Botkin and wife Renee Robins of Acton MA, and stepdaughter Vicentica (Vicki) Boxer of Gilmanton NH, four grandchildren Dotan Lior and wife Megan (Nowlin) Lior of Sedona AZ, Atar (Lior) Rosenkrans and husband Marc Rosenkrans of Maui, HI, Elijah Botkin, and Noah Botkin of Boston MA, and four great-grandchildren Anya and Esme Lior, and Ari and Kai Rosenkrans.

In honor of Irene’s memory, those who desire may contribute to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), or Hebrew Senior Life (HSL).

We will miss her smile.