Hilda Seltman

Hilda was born on February 22, 1928, in Altsiedeln — a small corner of the world that now lies within the borders of Poland — where her family gathered together under the roof of her grandparents' farm. It was a humble and rooted beginning, one that would shape the quiet strength she carried throughout her entire life.

From an early age, Hilda showed a remarkable sharpness of mind. At just twelve years old, she enrolled in specialized schooling to train in office support, living with her uncle's family during that time and helping in his hardware store. It was an early lesson in self-reliance, and one she took fully to heart.

The troubles of late 1930s Europe set many lives in motion. Her father had ventured ahead to America in search of better horizons, and in 1949, Hilda followed — crossing an ocean and beginning a new chapter in San Francisco. She arrived not as a stranger to hard work, but as a young woman fully prepared to contribute, and she quickly put her European training to use in office support roles that helped her build a better life in a new country.

It was in San Francisco that she met John Seltman, and on May 3rd, 1953, at twenty-five years old, she married him. Their daughter Lisa was born in 1958, and in time the family made their home near John's parents in Milwaukie, Oregon — where Hilda would leave her most lasting and loving mark.

Her home had a feeling all its own. She kept it spotless and filled it with warmth. Her cooking was the kind that brought people to the table and always left them beyond satisfied. Outside, her yard was equally striking — meticulously manicured with devoted attention. But more than any of these, what Hilda created was an environment — one where family felt held, nurtured, and deeply loved.

In her later years, Hilda embraced retirement community life with the same openness and enthusiasm she had brought to every chapter before it. Freed from the labors of homekeeping, she walked — daily, often several times a day — and cherished the conversations she found along the way. She remained curious, engaged, and present to the world around her until the very end.

Hilda spoke three languages fluently. She was intelligent, compassionate, inquisitive, and unfailingly positive. She gave generously to causes close to her heart — children, the homeless, distressed minorities, political efforts, and religious organizations — because she understood, instinctively, that a life well lived includes the gift of giving.

She possessed, quite naturally, the qualities that most people spend a lifetime striving toward — and Hilda lived it, every single day.

She was ninety-eight years old. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a neighbor, and a friend.

She will be dearly missed, but always remembered.

Visitation will be held at Ross Hollywood Chapel, 4733 NE Thompson St, Portland, OR 97213 on May 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Ross Hollywood Chapel on May 21, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Rose City Cemetery, 5625 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213, on May 21, 2026, at 1:00 pm.