Alice Seldin Grey

Alice Seldin Grey, a rancher's daughter, teacher and much-loved individual died in Denver on May 18 after a brief illness. She was born on December 15, 1917, the second of three girls, and grew up in New Raymer, Colorado upstairs from their father's general store. She graduated from the University of Colorado, became an English teacher and served in the Red Cross during WW II. Alice was married twice and, tragically, widowed twice the second time from the love of her life, the late Ernest Grey. Ernest, a Hungarian refugee, was a scholar and earned a Ph.D. in medieval Spanish from Harvard. While in Boston, Alice edited and typed her husband's dissertation. When they returned to Denver, Alice taught English as a second language at Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Ernest's research and professorships called for frequent European trips, and it was during these travels with Ernest that Alice experienced her happiest moments. She was especially fond of Florence, a city known both for its liveliness and for the sophistication of its leather goods. She had a particular weakness for elegant shoes and handbags. The automobile crash that took Ernest's life left Alice severely injured and limited her mobility. Yet, in the years of recovery she was never bitter and always receptive to what life had to offer. She resumed travel, this time with her step mother, the late Virginia Seldin, and later with her niece, Linda Grey. She formed lasting relationships with her in-laws, the late Arthur and Agnes Grey, her brother-in-law, the late Dr. Leslie Grey, and with Virginia's children, Jeannie Davies and Raleigh Brooks. Throughout her long life, Alice retained her intelligence, wit, sense of humor and what she proudly referred to as her silliness. She lived simply, elegantly and was unfailingly even-tempered. She valued her privacy, yet was warm and giving in conversation. In her own understated way, she was a determined advocate for social equality and the equal rights of women. Alice was fond of saying that she didn't know much but that she did know herself pretty well. Early in her adulthood she determined that she would not make a very good mother and decided against having children. But as many will attest, she made a spectacular aunt. She is survived by her two sisters, Bernice Frieder and Bonnie Margolin, both of Denver. Surviving on the Margolin side are nephews David Margolin and Hil Margolin of Denver, nieces Merrie Margolin Kippur of Denver and Sonia Margolin ImMasche of Ft. Collins, Co and 7 great nieces and nephews. From the Frieder side there are great niece Kendra Smith of Portland, OR, nephew David Frieder and great-nephew Jesse Frieder of Providence, RI. She was pre-deceased by her niece Alice Smith of Astoria, OR. From the Grey side there is niece Linda Grey of Golden, CO and her husband Terry Root and nephew Andy Grey and his wife Cleta of Badger Creek, CO. There are many others that knew Alice and will mourn her passing. Those listed above are the lucky ones who were related to her. Alice was a steadfast friend who was always ready to listen, an advisor who knew when to remain silent, and the source of an unforgettable laugh that never lost its warmth and girlish appeal.