Idell Nancy Kesselman, 76, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on April 9th in Portland, Oregon.

Idell was born on July 14th, 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland to Stanley and Peggy Kesselman. She grew up in Phoenix, AZ and graduated from Central High School. She went on to earn two Master’s degrees; the first in Humanities from St. Johns College and the second in Counseling from Arizona State University. Using her first Master’s she taught English, Literature and Humanities at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Prescott College. After earning her second Master’s, she spent the remainder of her career providing counseling to both individuals and couples at Phoenix Interfaith.

Although she married several times in her life, she spent the largest portion of her life as a single mother, often prioritizing the needs of her daughter over enhancing or expanding her own life. When asked what she was most proud of in her life, she always said “Risa”. 

Idell was known for her intelligence and humor, especially her joy and appreciation of wordplay and puns, and she loved good literature, specifically from a public library, good music, nature, (specifically birds) and a good round of pun-pong with anyone who would play. 

She is survived by her daughter Risa, daughter-in-law Stephanie, brother Michael, sister Janine, sisters-in-law Rachel and Caryl, nieces Talya, Iva, Maya, Alycia, Samantha, Claire and Sarah, and nephews Adam and Jordan. She was preceded in death by her father Stanley, mother Peggy, stepfather Erv, and sister-in-law Stevie.

Per Idell’s wishes there will not be a service, though a memorial will occur at a later date. Her daughter requested that donations be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation, the ACLU, any public library or Planned Parenthood in her memory.

May her memory be a blessing.