Kathryn Ann Selzer (Kay) passed away peacefully on September 14, 2015 in Coronado, California. Kay began her life on March 8, 1940 in Dearborn, Michigan. She was the eldest of three daughters born to Jon and Mary Zambiski. She had a wonderful childhood with her sisters Jeanne and Patty.

On September 12, 1964, she married the love of her life, Paul Selzer, and they were married for over 51 incredible years.

Kay spent her life as a devoted mother, wife, and public servant. She is survived by her husband Paul, her son Mark, her daughter Lori, and four grandchildren Connor Bernard, Rhonin Bernard, Colin Bernard, and Tim Selzer.

Kay was licensed as a registered nurse by the state of California. Several years into her practice, she attended Pacifica University in Santa Barbara, California where she earned a master's degree in psychology. While in this program, Kay discovered that using figurines in a specially designed sand box enabled her to assist her patients in dealing with problems in a unique and effective way. Partly as a result of her groundbreaking work, sand play therapy is now widely recognized as a useful tool in dealing with psychological problems.

Kay and Paul lived in Palm Springs, California for over 40 years. She was a beloved member of the community, active with her children and friends. She was appointed to the city's planning commission and served as chairman of the Palm Springs chapter of the League of Women Voters. She will be missed dearly, but her loving touch and warm spirit will be remembered for many years to come.

Her life will be celebrated by her friends and family on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 4pm in a ceremony to be held at the O'Donnell Club in Palm Springs (301 N Belardo Rd), which will be followed by a reception to be held in her honor. Members of the community are invited to join her family and friends in celebrating Kay's life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's name may be made to the Center for Spiritual Living, 2100 Raquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760-323-5447). Please call Wiefels & Son for service details (760-327-1257).

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Published by The Desert Sun from Sep. 24 to Oct. 1, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Selzer

23 Entries

Sarah Cross Mills

September 18, 2023

I'll never forget where I was and what I did upon reading online of Kay's passing. I was in southern France, on vacation, in a small town. Walking up a steep hill, I saw a church just ahead. I entered and lit a candle for Kay and sent her spirit all my love, promissing to meet her on the other side if not before.

Carrol Teitelbaum

September 19, 2022

Oh, Kay miss you every day. Carol

Carol Teitelbauam

Planted Trees

Sarah Mills

September 18, 2020

I miss the long, deeply meaningful talks we had, sharing our mutual interests in all things spiritual. I think of her so often. I lit a candle for her in a small church in France where I was visiting when she passed. Sending eternal love to her now.

Sarah Mills

September 18, 2019

Kay will never truly be gone from my life. Our immediate close friendship was, and is still, a miraculous experience for me. We shared so many things, I learned so much from her - I will never stop loving her.

October 5, 2015

Dear Paul, Lori and Mark,
Our deepest sympathies. It was shocking to read forwarded mail ON SAT. OCT 3 pm. at the very moment of the Memorial Services for dear Kay,a very special friend of 45 yrs, Supper Club gatherings & other venues. We were out of country since Sept 17,
and in Rhinebeck, NY childhood home since May 20. Our heartfelt condolences. Be strong as she would want! Prayers and Love, Elizabeth & Bob PRESS

Nate Israelson

October 1, 2015

Paul: I am so sorry to learn of Kay's passing. Her kindness to Gerri and myself when we first moved here will long be remembered. May her memory be a blessing to you, the children and all who knew this lovely soul.

Carol Lang

September 30, 2015

Kay was a shining light to all who knew her. She is so very missed by her women's group.

September 29, 2015

Paul, Mark & Lori. Truly sorry for your loss

Alex & Valerie Virtue

September 27, 2015

was so sorry to hear of kay's passing
will really miss seeing her in the neighborhood
enjoyed her so much
janet izen

Jen Brauch

September 27, 2015

I miss my sweet Aunt. Beautiful inside and out ~ her spirit will be with me always. Uncle Paul, Mark & Lori - my love to you.

Jan Smith

September 26, 2015

My beautiful friend of 50 years, my heart is broken. It has been a privilege to know you and to walk this life with you.
Paul, Mark and Lori, I hope you can find comfort in the knowledge that her kindness, compassion and spirit will live on through all those she has left behind. God's blessings to you.

John and Kathy Sanborn

September 26, 2015

Paul,Lori and Mark
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories can help us cope.

Kathy Block

September 25, 2015

Morning walks were always extra special with Kay. She will be forever in my heart.

PSTTI CRAINE

September 25, 2015

DEAR PAUL , LORI AND MARK..IT IS WITH SHOCK AND SADDNESS THAT WE READ OF KAYS PASSING. THROUGH THE MANY YEARS, WE HAVE SEEN HER SHARE HER SPIRIT... WITH HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THAT SPIRIT... WILL LIVE ON IN EVERY HEART THAT KNOWS HER AND MAY THOSE PRECIOUS MEMORIES HOLD HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY CLOSE...NOW AND ALWAYS....PATTI AND BUD CRAINE

Richard & Carolyn O'Linn

September 25, 2015

Kay, a very special and beautiful wife, mother and friend. You will be missed by all who knew you. You are in our prayers.

Carol Teitelbaum

September 24, 2015

Soul Sister one of Five. Our group of souls together since 1992. Our experiences, celebrating each birthday adventure and holiday, dreams, writing, laughing and dancing we have been present for and with each other in good and difficult. I love her dearly and she will reside in my heart always

Bonnie Kelley

September 24, 2015

Dearest beloved soul sister of life Kay: we have traveled in many dimensions together and I will be with you forever into eternity. I've loved the 3 years of doing Emergence with you and our sweet pod. Also I'm so glad we met in Palm desert before I left / it gave us a solid shared base to evolve from. I love you sweet soft beautiful woman of light and love. I will never say goodbye. We'll be together again and again. Harrison sends his love too. Bonnie

Kathleen Potts

September 24, 2015

My presence around Kay was short. I am not a early riser, however, around our neighborhood I walked with her and her friends. Her loving spirit was evident each and every time we saw each other. The love of life was clear in the way you spoke and cared for your fellow man.

Sarah Mills

September 24, 2015

The light Kay brought to my life will never be extinguished. Our friendship was deep and strong, and she was a true blessing in my life. I am consoled by knowing that I can connect with you, Kay, outside the physical at any moment.

kate digregorio

September 24, 2015

Kay will always be in my heart. She has left us a legacy and will be remembered by her many, many gifts she has given us. She is missed and loved. Thank you, Kay.

BO & CC PENNES

September 24, 2015

SOOOO SAD TO HEAR OF KAY'S PASSING WE WILL REMEMBER HER WITH MUCH PLEASURE, & A GOOD NEIGHBOR STAY STRONG PAUL WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOU . XO

Michael Kearney

September 24, 2015

Thank you Kay for entering my life and being a part of our church community. Your smile, your wisdom and the teachings you brought have lifted all of us. Blessings on your journey.

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