Paula Selzer

Paula passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026. Born on August 14,1940, in Wassenaar, Netherlands, shortly after the invasion of Holland during World War II. She was the daughter of Akos Farkas and Charlotte Barnstijn. Paula, along with her siblings Loet and Patricia, survived the war through what she often described as the grace of God and the kindness of strangers. In 1952, she immigrated to the United States via Canada, becoming a naturalized citizen in 1960.

Raised on Long Island in Great Neck and Manhasset, NY, Paula inherited a spirit of grit and determination from her parents. She worked in her mother's business, La Boutique Trimming Co., during high school, developing the sewing and tailoring skills that would define much of her life. Though her father initially believed college was unnecessary, Paula pursued her dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a degree in home economics, inspired by the kind teachers who welcomed her to America in the 7th grade. It was at Oneonta that she met the love of her life, Bill Selzer at the Newman Club.

Paula and Bill dedicated their careers to education, primarily in the Bay Shore Union Free School District. A master of her craft, Paula taught home economics and also spent time teaching at The Academy of Saint Joseph in Brentwood. Beyond the classroom, her entrepreneurial spirit flourished when she worked with her mother and sister-in-law as her brother, Loet, founded Advantage Gripware in 1979. What began as a $25 investment in materials grew into a premier manufacturer of film and video equipment.

While she was a dedicated professional, Paula believed her true calling was motherhood. She was the proud and devoted mother of three daughters—Ilona, Claudine, and Annelies—often remarking that she felt she had been spared during the war specifically so she could raise them. She was a consummate hostess and homemaker, known for her elaborate meals, homemade Christmas nightgowns with matching caps, and her frugal yet generous nature. She lived by the mantra, "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without," yet she gave back to her community through Birthright, the Catholic Daughters, and by sharing her war experiences with local students.

In her later years, Paula absolutely adored her role as "Oma." She was an unshakable and calm presence for her grandchildren, teaching them to parallel park, babysitting and reading bedtime stories, and maintaining annual traditions like blueberry picking and gingerbread house making. Her legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to family will be forever cherished by those she leaves behind.

Paula is predeceased by her husband William, her parents, and younger sister Patricia. She is survived by her older brother, Loet Farkas, her children and grandchildren: Ilona and Matt Kelting (Elijah, Addison, and Liam), Claudine and John Clark (Jacqueline), and Annelies and Todd Rocheleau (Anneke and Aidan). She will be deeply missed by all of them.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Saint John the Baptist in Plattsburgh followed by a Christian burial at St Maryś of the Lake Cemetery on Cumberland Head.