Resolution on the passing of Gail Seidman

RES 2026-07 FIRST IN COUNCIL January 31, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR SIMMONS COUNCILLOR NOLAN COUNCILLOR AL-ZUBI VICE MAYOR AZEEM COUNCILLOR ZUSY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gail Seidman on January 22, 2026, at the age of 80; and WHEREAS: Born to Francis and Samuel Seidman, Gail was raised with a strong appreciation for hard work, education, and family legacy, values that shaped both her professional life and her deep connection to community; and WHEREAS: Gail graduated from Boston University in 1963 and went on to become one of the first female managers at Honeywell International, demonstrating exceptional determination, talent, and quiet confidence at a time when opportunities for women in leadership were limited; and WHEREAS: Approximately fifty years ago, Gail made the life-shaping decision to take over the family business, University Stationery Co. in Central Square, which was originally founded by her father in 1929, and under her stewardship the store became a beloved neighborhood institution and community anchor; and WHEREAS: Gail led University Stationery Co. with a rare combination of business acumen, integrity, and personal warmth, earning the trust and admiration of generations of customers, many of whom often became lifelong friends; and WHEREAS: In 1982, Gail was joined in the business by her brother Barry following his retirement from the United States Air Force, and together they carried forward the family tradition of service with pride and purpose; and WHEREAS: Gail was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Samuel and by her brother Barry, and is survived by her sister-in-law Valerie, her nephew Brian, and Brian’s children, Sydney and Sloane, as well as by her longtime friend Betsy Spitzer, whose friendship began in 1970 and endured for more than five decades, including many years working side by side at University Stationery Co., and she will be remembered for her sharp mind, generous spirit, steadfast kindness, and deep love for family, friends, and community; now therefore be it RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending extending its deepest condolences to the

family of Gail Seidman for their tremendous loss; and be it further RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Gail Seidman on behalf of the entire City Council. In City Council February 9, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0. Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk