Regina Samelson

November 24th, 2018

Regina (and Abe) were one of my mother’s, Elaine (and Phil Stein) dear friends in Skokie, Illinois. They visited each other often. I always heard about their friendship. It was special for my Mom. I know, if she were here, she would be writing this note. Yesterday was my mother’s 2nd yarziet (Kislev 15). So they even shared an almost exact yarziet, Regina’s is Kislev 11, a year later. Hugs to her children, Vicki and Stewart and sorry this message is a year late. My brother Dan Stein and I were just going through photos and papers of our parents and Regina’s name came up. 💕

~Naomi Harel
~Daughter of friend, Rochester, NY

December 6th, 2017

I am not sure if you receive emails from ILHMEC, so am sending this on for you and your family. Your mother was a beloved member of the survivor community here. In the 10 years I worked as Director of Holocaust Community Services it was an honor and a privilege to know your mother.

May her memory endure for a blessing.

We are deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Holocaust Survivor Regina Samelson.

Regina was formerly an active member of our Speakers’ Bureau before moving to a nursing home in New York.

Regina was born in 1922 in Lodz, Poland. At the end of 1939, Regina and her family were placed in the Piotrkow Ghetto. In 1942, when the round-ups and deportations began, Regina was among 1,000 Jews who remained in the ghetto to work as slave laborers.

Toward the end of November 1944, Regina was sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp where she remained till February 1945. Regina was then deported to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp with a small group of women, where she remained until liberation in 1945.

After liberation, Regina went to Belgium, where her brother lived, and remained there for 3 years. In 1948, Regina immigrated to Israel and lived there for 8 years. Regina would come to the United States in 1956.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Regina’s family.

May her memory be for a blessing.

~Audrey Cantor
~Friend, Skokie, IL

December 5th, 2017

I am so sorry to hear that your mom passed away. I am going to miss her a whole lot cousin. From your number one person buddy cousin here in Houston, Texas. Harry Samelson

~Harry Samelson
~Cousin, Houston, TX

December 4th, 2017

Regina had a remarkable way of endearing herself to everyone she met. She appreciated the everyday things in life–backyard scenery, dinner, friends–that most of us often take for granted. Plus, every time she saw me, she asked me if I had lost weight 🙂 She will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her.

~Alicia Dean
~Friend, Hopewell Junction, NY

December 4th, 2017

Another pic, another laugh!

~Tim Dean
~Family Friend, Hopewell Jct NY

December 4th, 2017

Regina

~Shalom Memorial

December 4th, 2017

Regina Samelson

~Shalom Memorial
~Regina Samelson,

December 4th, 2017

As a child Regina was known to me as the cousin from Chicago, and we would see her and her family whenever there was a Simcha. As an adult I got to know Regina as the woman she was. Regina was always there for her family whether it was a visit or a phone call. She was one of the smartest, loving and caring person that one would ever know. She will be missed. Rest In Peace and reunite with the rest of our family.

~Carol Adler
~Cousin, 08759

December 3rd, 2017

My friend Regina overflowed with live and love. It was a privilege to know her, to write about her, to hear her voice.

~Howard Reich
~Friend, Chicago, IL

December 3rd, 2017

I met Regina at the opening of the Illinois Holocaust Museum where we shared an umbrella. That umbrella became the link to a wonderful friendship. I will remember Regina, not just for the story of her life, but for her sense of humor, her ever smiling face and the love she felt for her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

~Stephanie Hodge
~friend, Lake Forest, IL

December 3rd, 2017

Hi Vicky, I am so sorry to hear about Regina. We all loved her so much and she will be missed

~Emma Fried
~Cousin, Israel

December 3rd, 2017

Vicky and family, I wish I could be with you during this difficult time. I love the picture of your mother she’s so cute. I love hugging her she was like a little doll. Frank and I will say prayers for you and your family.

~Tina Shevetine
~Friend, Beacon, NY

December 3rd, 2017

Grandma was my wedding date last year. Even though she was having problems with her legs and heart at the time, she still loved to dance. Especially if it was with her grandson!

~Brian
~Grandson,

December 3rd, 2017

Me grandma and mom at my graduation. She would ask me every day “are you the smartest one in your class?”

~Brian
~Grandson,

December 3rd, 2017

family photo taken at Ben’s Bar Mitzvah about 14 years ago

~Warren Gordon
~husband of second cousin,

December 3rd, 2017

another photo from our son’s bar mitzvah about 14 years ago

~Warren Gordon
~husband of second cousin, Las Vegas, NV

December 3rd, 2017

wonderful time with Regina at our sons bar mitzvah about 14 years ago

~Warren Gordon
~husband of second cousin, Las Vegas, NV

December 2nd, 2017

Regina with Stewart and Vicky on her 95th birthday

~Mike Weinblatt
~Son-in-law, Hopewell Junction, NY

December 2nd, 2017

From the bearhug she gave me the day we met, to the bearhug she gave me earlier this week, Regina was always full of love and always made people smile. It was a privilege to have her as a mother-in-law.

~Mike Weinblatt
~Son-in-law, Hopewell Junction, NY

December 2nd, 2017

Grandma with her grandsons

~Danny
~Grandson, Brookline,MA

December 2nd, 2017

One of many selfies with grandma. She was never camera shy!

~Brian
~Grandson,

December 2nd, 2017

Roah Hashana in Westerlo

~Vicky
~Daughter, Hopewell jct,ny

December 1st, 2017

Regina meant so much to me. We would talk for hours about her life in Poland, her married life, children. She was a good woman and true friend. I will miss her tremendously.

~Selina Merritt
~Friend, Poughkeepsie

December 1st, 2017

Regina volunteered for several years at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center. She spoke to 100’s of students every month.

Often, she would walk the mile from her apartment to the Museum! I would always make sure she had a cab ride home.

I enjoyed working with her. This was the image that was taken for her “official volunteer badge” at the Museum. I will always remember this smile.

~Matthew Sackel
~colleague, Skokie, IL

December 1st, 2017

Thanks for helping me “make a porządek” last week!

~Danny
~Grandson, Brookline, MA

December 1st, 2017

It was my privilege to know Regina. As a holocost survivor, she had a perspective and appreciation for life that few could claim. “Oh boy” did she find things “so beautiful”.
I will miss her but whenever I am having a bad day I will remember her life experiences and positive outlook and forget my troubles.

~Tim Dean
~Friend, Hopewell Jct

December 1st, 2017

Our memories of Regina will always be how happy she was to see you and to just chat with her. We adore Regina. May our dear friend have eternal rest and peace!

~Karen
~Cherished Friend, NY

December 1st, 2017

Regina loved her family, especially her grandsons, in a truly beautiful way. She had such a strong sense of family and I admired her greatly for this. I was blessed to know her for as long as I did and observe the beautiful and endless love she had for her family.

~Marion
~Granddaughter, Brookline, MA

December 1st, 2017

Regina was one of the most loving, caring people I have ever met. She was fond of my baby and always showed the both of us love. She will be forever missed and in our hearts.

~Gabriella
~Friend, Tuscaloosa, AL

December 1st, 2017

Picture of Regina Samelson

~Barry Silver
~, Arlington Heights