Serving the San Diego Bridge Community

Florence Seltzer (1920-2019)
We are sad to report that Florence Newmark Seltzer passed away on Saturday, October 26 at age 99 from a cerebrovascular stroke. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Norman Seltzer, having celebrated 69 years of marriage. She leaves behind two children, 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Ron Heller, a close friend and bridge partner, has this to say: I played on Fridays with Florence for 30 years. She was a remarkable bridge player until the very end. Her wit, extraordinary memory, and zest for life were evident. When she was at the bridge club, she was always noticed and she enjoyed holding court there. She had a few very close friends from the bridge world. Jill Seagren, her confidante and close friend, was with her almost constantly during her last 4 days reading to her and keeping her company. This past year she played regularly with Marty Bloomberg and was always searching for a good game. She will be missed by those who knew her. A fond farewell!

Larry Sherman shared these memories: Florence was probably my favorite opponent. She always sat in the North/South direction. If the movement was such that I missed her table I truly felt I had been short changed. She would have me bring her coffee, and in exchange paid me off in pretzels. I recall one time when she was leaving Adventures in Bridge when it was located on Mission Gorge Road after the game. As she backed her Caddy out of the parking space, I witnessed a collision between her and Bert Waxler. Surely a case of an elderly driver with a blind spot being hit by an elderly nearly blind driver. They each exited their vehicles and asked me to weigh in on who was at fault. I would sooner have been called to make a director ruling at a table of 4 screaming players than to have had to make judgement against either of these two. I will miss Florence a lot.
Lamya Agelidis also had a connection with Florence that not many others did: We have been patrons of the same hair and nail salon on Friars Rd for years and I would run into her every couple of months there. Florence had a standing appointment there on Saturday mornings, rain or shine. All the stylists loved her, talk about holding court there! More than once did I witness her charming all who surrounded her with her anecdotes and her life lessons. She was as elegant walking in as she was walking out of that salon. Nobody could believe that such a vivacious, life-loving, witty, smiley-eyed lady was in her late 90s. Florence, may you Rest In Peace.

Marty Bloomberg, another good friend of Florence's, contributed the following: I've known Florence and Norman since 1998 when Leila and I moved to San Diego. Florence and I were bridge partners for 10 years, playing several times a week for the last 4 or 5 years. Driving to bridge was always an educational experience, especially during the 30 minutes to Eastlake (her favorite club). First we discussed important news from the Wall Street Journal and Union Tribune which she read before 9:30 when I picked her up. She then gave me the the latest from the Economist and Bloomberg Magazine, pointing out articles I should read to discuss next week. Even towards the end when she was ill and I was visiting her, the first question she would utter was: "what's happening with the impeachment"? One of the memories I'd like to share is our birthday celebration ritual: She always wanted to pay when Leila and I took her to birthday dinners. I sort of lost - I paid for dinner and Florence left the tip. No point in arguing with her when she made her mind up. I got even--she took me for birthday dinners and I left the tip. That was Florence!

Florence was true to her husband's memory till the end. Norman remained the "love of her life" for ever, after 60 years of marriage. She passed as I know she wanted, her children and grandchildren all surviving her (very important) and she did not become an invalid. I assured those who asked if she was getting good care that her son Brian would accept nothing less. Brian assured me that she never suffered, was not in pain, and I think she was incapable of being depressed. Florence always drove home from bridge with the window down - she loved the wind and she loved life.

Jill Seagren shared her thoughts as well: I met Florence 19 years ago at AIB. We had an immediate connection and became fast friends outside of bridge. She was my role model: independent, smart, well educated, loved her family and did not cook. I started taking Florence out to lunch and they would last 4-5 hrs. We never ran out of issues to talk about. She was well connected in the Jewish community and we had many mutual friends and acquaintances. Florence graduated from SDSU and law school. She loved politics and fought for change in LGBT legislation. She was a devoted wife to Norman for 68 years. Mother to Brian and Eileen and grandmother to Jordan, Justin, and Matthew. I love and miss Florence.