Ida Seplowitz, 88, died late Friday night, August 13, 2010, the victim of a series of illnesses at the Tandet Center in Stamford. Ida was born in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of David and Anna Gottlieb. David was a head blacksmith for Barnum & Bailey Circus and when asked to head up the European Troop, he replied that he would never leave the USA and headed instead to work on a chicken farm in West Willington, CT just before the hurricane of 38” leveled the farm. The devastated owner sold the farm to David who rebuilt it with his talented hands. Anna, who could positively relate to almost every individual regardless of age or social position, was one of the most beloved people on earth, held in the highest esteem by her entire family. Ida, sweet sixteen, met Abe her husband to be when he came to the farm to buy chickens. Ida married at 17 and became the mother of Sheldron, the first of three children at 19. Ida couldn’t decide whether to choose the name, Sheldon or Ronald, so she created the unique combination. Four years later, she named her second son Ronald (deceased) and 14 years later, a daughter, Debbi (not a typo) was born. Ida was very much her own woman and if you think the song ‘My Way’ was written only for Frank Sinatra, you didn’t know Ida. Not content to sit on the farm, she entered the world of horse racing as an owner of standard bred pacers and raced on the New England circuit. Daughter Debbi enjoyed reading the Daily Telegraph, the racing form of the time, along with nursery rhymes at the age of 4. Abe, born on a cattle farm in Windham, CT knew his way around large animals and in addition to managing a large poultry farm also established a rehabilitation program for injured horses, both standard bred and thoroughbred. Ida quickly moved in the New England thoroughbred racing circles and was recognized on the scene as a no nonsense owner. Ida was at the center of extended family gatherings that took place almost every weekend, beginning with Shabbat diner and ending with a multi-generation nickel-dime poker game, with no givebacks. Summer days began with feeding the chickens and moved to the local swimming hole, Mashamoquet State Park and ended with a barbeque, generally some variation of chicken. Ida and Abe retired to Hallendale Florida and frequented the Miami race tracks as owners where Ida enjoyed celebrity status as the unofficial “Queen “ of the racing scene for many years until Abe’s death. She then returned to CT and lived at the Tandet Center until Friday, where to no one’s surprise she also was referred to by the staff as “Queen Ida”. Ida’s personality in many ways reflected a combination of Antie Mame and Annie Oakley and Ida utilized her given resources to wring out the most enjoyment possible for herself, her family and friends. She lived her life to the fullest and we will miss her Nike like “just do it” attitude. Ida leaves behind her children, Debbi and Bert, Sheldron and Helen, and Ron’s wife Joan. Sisters, Mary and Sylvia and brother Joe. Grandchildren, Kevin, Eric, Jason, Amanda, Abby and great-grandchildren, Hudson and Jenna. Ida instructed the family not to morn, but instead continue to celebrate life in her honor.
Funeral services will be held TODAY, Monday, August 16, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at the family gravesite in Congregation Ahavath Achim Cemetery, Colchester, CT, the resting place of Ida’s parents and other relatives. In accord with Ida’s wishes Shiva will not be observed; and for those who desire to honor Ida’s life with a donation, please consider supporting your favorite charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions, or to sign the guestbook for Ida, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com