Selma Joyce Rackson
Funeral Service: March 18, 2026 11:00 AM
Cemetery: Mt. Lebanon Cemetery
7800 Myrtle Avenue,
Glendale, NY 11385
Notes:
Sally Rackson, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Florida on March 14, 2026, at age 94, after a long and full life.
She was born on April 14, 1931, and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. She attended Syracuse University, where she was named Homecoming Queen during her senior year. While in college, she met her future husband, Chester B. Rackson, who was serving as an Air Force dentist and visiting her sorority house. They married in September 1951 and shared a devoted marriage until his passing in 2018.
Sally and Chester spent most of their early married life in Woodbury, Long Island, where they raised their three sons. In later years, they lived in Boca Raton, Florida, where they cherished the company of many close friends and frequent visits from family. She passed away peacefully in Florida.
Known for her beauty, warmth, and vibrant personality, Sally was always impeccably dressed and brought energy and joy to every gathering. She learned to play bridge in college and continued playing for decades, eventually achieving the level of Ruby Life Master. She skillfully managed her investment portfolio, was an avid tennis player, and later in life took up golf.
Sally is survived by her three sons, Randy, Cliff, and Alan; her daughters-in-law, Marlene and Catherine; and her grandchildren, Adon, Aurora, Marisa, Ian, Brian, Alyson, and her great-grandson, Hayden. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chester, and grandson Evan.
She will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, her love of family and friends, and the elegance and warmth she brought to every room.
A funeral service will be held at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale, New York.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the
Familial Dysautonomia Foundation
Guests are to arrive at Mount Lebanon Cemetery chapel between 10:30am-10:45am. Service at Mount Lebanon Cemetery will start promptly at 11:00am.