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Selma Jane Rockey Denecke

Selma Jane Rockey Denecke obituary, Portland, OR

Selma Denecke Obituary

Selma Jane Rockey Denecke June 11, 1919 ~ October 2, 2009 PORTLAND ~ She loved people, conversation, the world around her, and was the last one to leave a party. Selma was known by all for her warmth, class, grace and willingness to engage people of all persuasions. Born in Portland, Oregon on June 11,1919, Selma Jane Rockey was the only child of Dr. Paul Rockey, a longtime surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital, and Selma Schempf, a nurse in World War I and a native of Iowa City, Iowa. Selma's grandparents had come to Portland in 1889 so her roots and knowledge of Portland ran deep, including her home neighborhood of Westover. As an only child, Selma spent many weekends and summers with her parents and family friends vacationing on the Oregon coast in Gearhart and Seaside, and in Victoria, B.C. These trips and her parents' broad view of the world helped spark her life-long interest in travel, history and art. After graduating from Miss Catlin's School in 1937, Selma ventured to what was then an oasis of orange groves at the recently opened women's Scripps College in Claremont, California. Her Scripps experience was a true highlight during which time she made many dear friends and developed a deep appreciation for her education and what would become a life-long affiliation with the college. Following her graduation in 1941 with a degree in History of Art and Architecture, Selma got a job at the Portland Art Museum. A friend of Selma's set her up on a blind date in 1944 with an Army officer named Arno H. Denecke. The blind date lead to several other dates, and after a long-distance proposal and Arno's service in France, the pair was married in October 1945 upon his return to Portland. Selma and Arno made their first home together in Eugene, where Arno taught at the University of Oregon Law School. They later moved to Portland where Arno began the private practice of law, and a short time later, Selma and Arno welcomed their first child, Ginger. A little less than two years later, their son David was born. Four years later, twin boys, Will and John were born and their youngest child, Anne, was born at the close of 1959. Despite having five children, Selma would be the first to admit that she "didn't know a thing" about raising children, but she always said that her children were the best thing that ever happened to her. When Arno was appointed to the Oregon Supreme Court in 1962, the family moved to Salem where they made many close friends in the Candelaria neighborhood of South Salem. Having spent her entire life in Portland, Selma quickly adapted to life in a new city including her volunteer work. Her interest in travel and the wider world was never far away, however, and she and Arno traveled to England, South Africa and Kenya in 1969. In the 1970's, Selma made other trips to Europe with family and friends. After returning to Portland in the early 1980's, Selma vigorously renewed her volunteer service with the Albertina Kerr Center, the Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Historical Society. She also continued her travels throughout the next 20 years, venturing to many parts of the world with various family members and friends. And as always, she played bridge and enjoyed life with the "bridge ladies". Selma enjoyed swimming and tennis as a child, but never described herself as an "athlete" or a sports fan. When she returned to Northwest Portland after being married, however, she became a regular at the Vaughn Street Portland Beavers Baseball Park. Later in life she became an avid fan of nearly all forms of sport, especially the Portland Trail Blazers, professional golf, and Oregon State University and University of Oregon football and basketball. If there was a game or match on, chances are she was watching and calling various of her children/grandchildren to report scores as the games progressed. Selma loved life, and especially her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ginger Denecke Hackett (Dave Hackett), David Denecke (Gail Neuburg), Will Denecke, John Denecke and Anne Denecke, and her grandchildren Christl Denecke (Steven Ginzburg), Colin Hackett, Cameron Hackett (Erna Stubblefield), Samantha Denecke, Anna Denecke and Chase Denecke. A celebration of life honoring Selma will be held from 2-5 p.m., Saturday, October 17 at the Multnomah Athletic Club, Portland. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Albertina Kerr Center, the Oregon Historical Society, Scripps College or the Portland Art Museum.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Oct. 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Selma Denecke

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Jean White

October 29, 2009

To the Denecke family: Your mother changed my life. It was the summer of 1954. I had just graduated from Lake Oswego High School, and was expecting to go to the U of O and be a Kappa like my mother and sister. Somehow I had this feeling that I was meant to do something else.
Selma came to our house, (Your father was in my father's law firm.) and told me of the wonders of Scripps College. She was so sincere and enthusiastic that I changed my plans that afternoon. Selma was right; Scripps is a wonderful place. I have never regretted my decision.
We have seen each other in the years since. She always greeted me with those sparkling eyes and joyful spirit. I will never forget what that afternoon meant to my life. She was a grand lady and I will miss her.

Jean Spaulding White

Janette Diegel

October 19, 2009

My thoughts and love go to all of the Denecke family.

As a "niece-in-law", I will always remember your mom for "her warmth, class, grace and willingness to engage people of all persuasions", as you said so well in your wonderful tribute to Selma’s life. I also remember many other wonderful events that happened along the way, but this trait of Selma’s touched me the most.

I have always felt as if I have been sincerely included as part of your family. Selma took the time to make people feel not only welcome, but to make each of us feel as if we were an interesting and valuable part of any group. It’s a cherished trait that Selma taught by example, and it's a trait that you all possess.

Thank you for sharing this part of her life with us. Our hearts go out to you.

We will miss her.

October 17, 2009

Ginger, David, Will, John, and Anne,

Your Mother, dear Selm, was always 'Twin' to my mother, Sue Grout Chilton. I'd heard of many fun days the guys and girls would spend on the water, and their love for those impromptu picnics. Robin and I think the photo I dropped off is a snap shot of those great days. I have another I will uncover after unpacking to share.

Truly the end of an era... and we should pause with loss, move forward with the strength she offered, and celebrate that which was before us always and forever. These gals were something else!!

Gretchen Chilton Mills

PS - I remember the luxury of the Salem pool, as well!!

October 16, 2009

Please accept my gratitude and sympathy. Selma was a loyal and much appreciated volunteer at Albertina's Restaurant for at least 20 years! I worked at Albertina Kerr Centers during her service there, and always loved seeing her at the reservation desk. She was such a P.R. person, not only for the Restaurant
, but also for the work of the Center.She was a major player in the success of the Albertinas adventure. Thank you for loaning her to us. Jane Richardson

Nancy Streets

October 14, 2009

Anne and family,

So sorry to hear of Selma's passing. She was indeed a great lady and a great "Mom" to all of us. I have thought of her often over the years, always with a smile -- she leaves us with great memories.

Dana Muller

October 13, 2009

The relationship between your mother and each of you is such a special one. You will all count your blessings many times over that Selma was your mother. Grieve not for her loss, but that you had her as a mother, and for all this time.
Our deepest condolences are with you during this time of sadness. She is still inside of you; part of who you are. Her greatest gift to the world.

Love, Tom and Dana Muller

Andrea McCart

October 13, 2009

Dear Ginger.... I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I know how hard it is. You'll miss her but hold those dear memories close to your heart. Much Love
Andrea McCart

Kathryn Mason Gearheard

October 12, 2009

Mrs. Deneke has moved on but boy! what she left us. Of course I haven't seen her since swimming in the Deneke pool in the late '60's but I am sure she was still that fun, sophisticated mom who fixed lunch with witty remarks. She was special and always fun and her house was warm and welcoming. She talked to kids as if they were adults. She had New Yorker magazine on her coffee table and when you grow up in Salem, that is impressive. I have the New Yorker on my coffee table and eat avacados and talk to kids as if they are grownups. Thank you, Selma. Thank you, Ginger, and the family for sharing your mom in this loving obituary. My memories of her are sharp and wonderful. My sympathy is with you.

Cathy Wold

October 12, 2009

Your Mother was an inspiration to me. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Anyone who knew Selma will also feel the loss. She was a wonderful, intelligent, entertaining lady and I am proud to have known her.

Victoria Shinn

October 11, 2009

What a lady! I am sending each of you hugs until I see you.
Love Victoria

Charles Carey Alward

October 11, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.

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