Esther Zelman Moses
November 15, 1920 ~ January 18, 2011
Moses, Esther Zelman, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the age of 90. Services will be held at Downing Lahey Mortuary East, at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 21. Interment will follow at Hebrew Cemetery. Esther is survived by her three children, David H. Moses (Terri) of Wichita, Molly Moses Wisman (Alan) of Topeka, and Max G. Moses (Kari) of Chicago. She also leaves five grandchildren, Mindi, Sam, Andrew, Aaron and Ryder. Esther was born on November 15, 1920 in Taceva, Czechoslovakia. She, as well as her beloved late husband Herbert Moses, were survivors of the Holocaust, before emigrating to the United States in 1945 and 1948 respectively. Her mother and two sisters perished in the Holocaust. Her late father, Sam Zelman and late brother, Chaim Lazar survived and died at a later date. Esther was well-known for running Sam Zelmans Clothing Store on East Douglas along with her late husband, Herbert and her late father, Sam. In lieu of flowers, memorials gift donations may be sent to either Washburn University Foundation in memory of Esther Moses, 1729 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604 to benefit the Moses Family Scholarship Fund that Esther established in 2006 or to the FIDF (Friends of the Israel Defense Forces) Legacy Program, 29 E. Madison, Chicago, IL, 60602-4550 which supports children of fallen Israeli soldiers.
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I have many memories of shopping in Sam Zelman’s Clothing Store in the 1970s and 1980s. Mr and Mrs Moses always remembered my family, especially my son Israel. They were very special people and their customer service ethic was always superb. I hope one of the children will take the time to write their story of endurance and hope. I would love to read it. Always wanted to ask about their lives but never had the courage. They are examples of what has made America a rich country.
David, Molly and Max, I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dear Mother. She was a fixture in our community and I have many memories of both your parents at the Synagogue. With her passes a generation of heros who survived more than we can every imagine. I hope the memories you have will help you during these difficult times. Sincerely, Nathan Bloch
On a late afternoon, not long after I opened my antique shop at the corner of Green and Douglas an elderly woman stuck her head through the door and asked if I had anything Jewish in there. I told her that the only thing I had that was Jewish at that time was my husband. That was the beginning of an almost 2 year relationship I had with Mrs. Moses. She stopped in the shop many times to sit and rest on her way home. Many very interesting conversations ensued – many about her early life, but most about her children of whom she spoke of with great admiration for their accomplishments. She was a special person who I will always remember fondly. God Bless You Mrs. Moses.
Max, Molly, and David, I am saddened by the loss of your mother. I fondly remember meeting her at our graduation, Max. Her strong will and devotion to your father and family greatly impressed me over the years during our many contacts. Your father and mother provided the strong foundation for all of you children and your successes.
David Moses Family Sorry for your loss. I remember your mother well, she was a very kind and gentle lady who never knew a stranger. May God be with you and your family during this time.
Your Mom was a special lady. I had known her all my life. My folks,Martha and Gordon Hanson, helped both Herb and Esther learn endlish when they came to Wichita. She always at some time during our talks reminded me that she used to change my diapers. I miss seeing her on Douglas in front of the store. I hope all of your memories of her are good ones.
I had the priviledge of knowing Mrs. Moses when I went to school with Molly and Max. I had not seen her for many years but ran into her a few years ago. On my way home from work, I would see her at the bus stop and give her a ride home. We had such wonderful conversations. She was a magnificent lady.
To Esther moses Family. It was a joy to take care of your mother for all these years.May the lord bless you and your family at this time.
Dear David, Terry and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dennis & Gloria
Thinking of you all with love and sympathy. Marj and Ragen Murray
David, so very sorry for the loss of Your Mother. May Her Memory be Eternal. Bob Laham