Selma F. Fishbein, 89

BONITA SPRINGS, FLA. – Selma Frances (Gold) Fishbein, longtime resident of Providence, died on Sept. 25 in Bonita Springs.

She was born on Jan. 2, 1927 in Providence, the daughter of the late Morris I. Gold and Esther Hassenfeld Gold.

She graduated from Classical High School and Pembroke College/Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She began her career as a social worker in Philadelphia and was active in the Ladies Association of the Providence Hebrew Day School, Hadassah, the Miriam Hospital and Pioneer Women.

She and her late husband, Dr. Joseph J. Fishbein, were active in the Providence community for more than four decades. Together, they supported many community and Jewish organizations, including the Providence Hebrew Day School, New England Academy of Torah, Congregation Beth Sholom, the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island and Jewish Family Services.

Selma is predeceased by her sister, Shirley Dwares, and her brother, Benson Gold and is survived by her sister-in-law Sheila Gold. She is also survived by her children Drs. Shari Mandel and Alex Mandel; Drs. Keith Fishbein and Nancy Feldman; Janni Fishbein-Slotkis and David Slotkis; Amy Fishbein Waisel and Harold Waisel. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom, or the Dr. Joseph Jay and Selma Fishbein Fund at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.