Zelma Saltzman of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away comfortably and peacefully on Jan. 2. Formerly of Overland Park, Kansas, she was a true “people” person who connected with virtually everyone she came across.
Born on July 28, 1938, to Samuel and Rose Goldstein, Zelma grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Paseo High School in 1955 and subsequently attended Texas Woman’s University, where she met the love of her life, Nathan (Sonny) Saltzman, whom she married in 1958.
She worked at New York Life early on, but her primary role was that of a stay-at-home mother. She dabbled in market research and had a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit. She was “Bubbie the Bargain Hunter” — whether she needed it or not, if it was on sale, it was a must-have.
She was an active member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, often helping in the kitchen or wherever needed. She had many hobbies, including knitting, needlepoint, shopping and her infamous chocolatiering escapades. She always had to stay busy and had an insatiable zest for life and socializing.
Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Rose Goldstein; her husband, Sonny Saltzman; her brother, Dr. Marvin Goldstein; sister-in-law, Adelle Goldstein; brother-in-law, Stan Silberg; and parent-in-law, Rose Polakoff.
She is survived by her two children, Staci Allan of Mundelein, Illinois, and Todd Saltzman of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; daughter-in-law Allison Saltzman; six grandchildren, Zoey, Henry and Ellie Allan and Hailee, Abby and Brady Saltzman; and her sister and best friend, Irene Silberg, of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Graveside services were held on Jan. 7 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of sending flowers, please feel free to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in her name.
Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
