Esther Paper Gelman, a former Denverite and major figure in Maryland politics, passed away June 6, 2016, at her home outside Washington, DC. She was 84.
Mrs. Gelman, whose parents Sol and Rose Paper owned a kosher bakery on West Colfax, graduated North High School.
An honors graduate at CU, she married her college sweetheart Norman I. Gelman in 1951, while they were both still in school.
After the couple moved to Washington, DC, Mrs. Gelman became active in Democratic politics and served three terms on the governing council of her suburban county.
At the request of Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer, Mrs. Gelman organized and served as the original director of the Maryland-Israel Business Council.
She also was the first woman to head the Maryland Assn. of County Officials.
Mrs. Gelman is survived by her husband Norman Gelman; two daughters; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
