Selma Kriss

Selma Kriss: A Legacy of Artistic Brilliance and Warmth

Selma Kriss, a remarkable individual known for her artistic brilliance and warm familial love, passed away at the age of 97 on April 24, 2024. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with threads of creativity, education, and family bonds, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Personal Reflections: Selma’s unwavering support and playful spirit endeared her to those around her. Her passion for art was contagious; a visit to MoMA in 1962 ignited a lifelong admiration for pop art icons like Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. And who could forget her culinary adventures, including the memorable chicken paprikash that transformed into a fiery feast with cayenne pepper instead of paprika, still evoking smiles from those of us who recall it.

Family Ties: Married to Harold Kriss for 64 years prior to his death in 2013, Selma was a loving wife and mother. Her love and guidance are her enduring gifts to her children Mitch (Toby) Kriss and Peggy (Cliff Pollan)  Kriss,  her grandchildren Becky (Eric) Burger, Erica Ben-Moshe, Lisa (Sam) Kessler & Jenn (Zaid Hassan) Pollan, and her great-grandchildren, Shane and Hallie Burger, Matan Ben-Moshe, Noah and Sophie Kessler.

Each relationship was a unique bond, cherished and nurtured with care.

Proudest Achievements: Selma’s artistic talent was matched only by her dedication to sharing it with others. Not only was she a master of her craft, having earned a Master’s degree in Art, but she was also a beloved art teacher in Syosset, NY schools. Her legacy lives on in the minds of her students and the beauty of her oil, acrylic, and silkscreen works with many of her pieces adorning her family’s homes

In Memoriam: A graveside service in honor of Selma Kriss will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Beit Olam East Cemetery (42 Concord Road/Route 126, Wayland, MA). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago or Mary Ann Morse in Natick, MA, reflecting Selma’s compassionate spirit.

A Family’s Message: Selma’s journey was long and filled with moments of joy, challenge, and triumph. Her family fondly remembers her as a woman whose heart and art were as expansive as her legacy. “She lived a long life, and she will forever be in our hearts,” they say.