Dorothy Ann "Hirsch" Sellman

Dorothy Ann Sellman, fondly known as Dot, passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on October 2, 2025, with her loving family attentively by her side. She was 86 years old. Dot was born on March 2, 1939, in Manhattan, NY, the daughter of the late Harry and Rowena (Kurland) Hirsch. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and after graduating high school, went on to earn a master's degree in education. With her giving nature and patience, Dot found her calling as an elementary school teacher. Over her long career with the East Hartford Public Schools, she touched countless young lives with her joy for learning, encouragement and steady kindness. In 1961, Dot married the love of her life, George Sellman. Together they shared 64 years of marriage, living in East Hartford, Glastonbury, and later retiring to Hebron. They raised two children who brought them immense pride and joy, and in time, Dot welcomed five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren into her heart. Dot was a longtime member of Beth Tefilah Synagogue in East Hartford, where she continued her spiritual journey, educated her children and made many life-long friends. She loved to travel, visiting many sites in the US and across Europe; and had a life-long connection to Long Pond Lake in the Adirondack Mountains, where she visited as a young girl, as a mother and grandmother, over the course of 70 years. Throughout her life she loved to play table games, playing many times a week with her friends in Hebron after her retirement. Whether it was Bridge, Mahjong, or Canasta, Dot often seemed to hold the winning hand. But more than anything, she will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family. Her family shares their memories in their own words:

From her husband, George: "Dot was my partner in everything. She was my center of gravity, the one who steadied me and gave meaning to everything we shared. She was there in the big moments of our lives, but just as importantly, she was woven into every small detail of our days. From the grandest celebrations to the quietest mornings, she was the heart of it all. Not a day went by that I didn't admire her strength, her humor, and her heart. She was the center of our family and my greatest blessing."

From her son, Michael: "As a teacher, my mother sparked my curiosity and helped shape me into a life-long learner which has been instrumental in shaping my life and in any successes I may have had. Later in life she gave this gift to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having her as my mother was truly a blessing. She will be missed every day."

From her daughter, Karen: "My mom was my anchor. She always had time to listen, really listen, without judgment. Her love was constant, and her presence was my safe place. I'll miss her every day, but I'll carry her voice and her laughter in my heart."

Dot is survived by her loving husband George; her son, Michael and his wife, Deirdre Sellman of New York; her daughter, Karen and her husband Kevin Goding of Lebanon; her brother, Robert and his wife Gail Hirsch of New Jersey; her grandchildren Nicholas, Heather, Sarah, Jacob, and Corey; her great-grandchildren Declan, Ezra, Damian, Hailey, Jonathan, and Laddie George; along with many extended family members and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held privately in the Jewish/Interfaith Cemetery. The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with arrangements. A celebration of life will take place at a later date where friends and family can gather to share their memories. Donations in Dot's memory may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - https://giving.mskcc.org/. For online condolences or to share a story of Dot with her family, please visit www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy "Dot" Sellman will be remembered for her boundless spirit and chutzpah, devoted friendship and constant love for her family - a legacy that lives on in the generations she nurtured.