Linkie Seltzer

LINKIE SELTZER Linkie Seltzer lived 100 extraordinary years filled with movement, laughter, connection, optimism, and purpose. Born in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1925, Linkie was a vibrant force—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose warmth, optimism, and boundless energy enriched every life she touched. A professional dancer, creative and accomplished seamstress and tailor, public speaker, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and tireless community volunteer. Linkie believed deeply in showing up, giving back, and bringing people together. She attended Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin. She made Dallas her lifelong home where she raised three children and built a life rich in relationships and service. As a young woman, Linkie danced professionally with the Starlight Operettas at Dallas Fair Park and later taught ballroom dancing and trained instructors at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Throughout her life she was committed to volunteerism and civic engagement, which led her to leadership roles with B’nai B’rith, Shearith Israel Synagogue, Temple Emanu-El, the Dallas Jewish Federation, where she was President of the Women's Fundraising Division, and the Dallas Independent School District, where she served as Chairman of the Human Relations Commission. She was also involved in musical theater choreography and served as den mother for Girl and Boy Scouts. She served as Executive Director of the Southwest Region of American Friends of the Hebrew University. She was also an ambassador for Dallas at DFW Airport and founded Speaker’s Source International, a nonprofit that shared lessons of love, dignity, and human connection at colleges and organizations across the country. In 1976, she launched "The Linky Fitness Plan” offering fitness breaks to the corporate world espousing "good health is simply good business.” Among her many honors, Linkie was nominated for the Dallas Linz Award. She was awarded the first Turtle Creek Chorale Bridge Builder's Award for connecting the Chorale with Temple Shalom's cantor, culminating in a performance at the Meyerson Symphony Center; in this role she forged meaningful connections across faiths and communities. She served as a trustee of the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, helping build bridges between deaf children and the Turtle Creek Chorale, and produced the television series Covenant for ABC. She also authored books to inspire at-risk youth through Big Brothers Big Sisters. As a mother, she thoughtfully guided her children in learning Hebrew, dancing ballet, tap, and ballroom, playing the piano, sewing, playing tennis, enjoying camp, and practicing good manners—lessons that shaped their lives. Forever curious and adventurous, Linkie traveled far and wide to Israel, Europe, Russia, Bali, and India. In India and in the United States, she studied yoga and meditation. Linkie was a true pioneer who blazed the path for women and those in need. She lived with dignity, resilience, and joy, cultivating deep and lasting relationships with family and friends throughout her century-long life. Linkie passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at the age of 100 leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ann and Nathan Levine; her husbands, Marcus Seltzer—who died in 1973 while saving a colleague’s life—and Henry Cohn; and her brother, Gerald Levine. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Adrienne Seltzer Lithman and Cathy Négrel (Pierre); her son, Robert Seltzer (Teresa Parker); her grandchildren, Rachel Marissa Lithman (Alexander Vargas Martinez) and Marcus Daniel Lithman (Brittany Taggart); and her great-grandsons, Atlas Lithman Vargas and Dillon Taggart Lithman. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Rabbi David Stern and the clergy of Temple Emanu-El; to the devoted 2nd Floor care team of The Legacy Midtown Park Healthcare Center with a nod to Toni Walker, Director of Nursing who oversaw her care, and Alexandreia Henderson, Activities Director, who kept Linkie engaged and joyful in life; and Legacy at Home Hospice, with special thanks to Elina Romanov, Kira Davis, Heather Rey, and Rabbi Holly Cohn. The family also thanks her dear friends, Lisa Stanford and Norma Housey, for their kindness and care during Linkie’s final chapter. A memorial service celebrating Linkie’s life will be held at Temple Emanu-El's Stern Chapel on Sunday, February 15 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Emanu-El, The Legacy Senior Communities, Turtle Creek Chorale, or Titas/Dance Unbound. Dallas Jewish Historical Society Oral History video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYA41iI8OAc

Linkie Seltzer

November 22, 1925 - December 31, 2025