Selma Hurwitz

Selma Hurwitz, 103, of Indianapolis, passed away October 8, 2024. She was born in Louisville, Kentucky to Albert and Lottie Cooper on October 16, 1920. 

Selma did not do great deeds, she did not endow scholarships, build buildings or monuments. What she did do was love everyone and be kind to everyone, and appreciate everyone for who they were.

When asked, everyone says the same thing when you mention her name: "Oh, she is such a lovely lady, I just love her". Selma was grateful for anything you did for her, and she did not hesitate to let you know she was grateful, sometimes to excess, but that is beside the point. She loved everyone, and, again, did not hesitate to tell you so. She made absolutely no distinction among people, grand or small. Selma loved them all and was grateful to any and all for their attention.

Selma did what she could to make others happy to have known her. Her famous line was, "I just want everyone to be happy and get along." Only certain people can accomplish great deeds, but we can all do what we can to improve the lives of those whose lives touch ours. Selma improved lives by making us all feel better about ourselves through her appreciation of us, and in doing this, she achieved as much greatness as her abilities allowed. Everyone who knew her loved her. Isn't this something we can all aspire to?

In the memory of all who knew Selma, or even only knew of her, Selma is loved and though of kindly and with warmth. Clearly, Selma Cooper Hurwitz is in heaven and will always be there as long as she is remembered by anyone.

She is survived by her children, Richard Alan Hurwitz and Gloria (Terry) Gernstein; grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Gernstein, Sydney (Nicole) Gernstein, Aaron (Stephanie) Hurwitz, Lauren Hurwitz, and Chad Gerson; and five great-grandchildren. Selma was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 67 years, John J. Hurwitz.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 2:30 PM in the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation South Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation Music Fund.