Barbara Paul Selby, a long-term resident of Wilmington, Delaware, died on Feb. 23, 2021 peacefully, at home, in the presence of family.
Barbara was born to Ivy and Wortley Paul on July 23, 1931 in Buffalo, NY, where she was raised in a loving family. She was an avid reader from an early age, and an excellent student, able to skip the fourth grade. Summers were spent at a family cottage at Silver Lake, NY where she developed a lifelong love for swimming. After graduation from Bennett High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in education at the State University of New York at Buffalo. She adored children, and for several years was a school teacher. In later years she continued teaching voluntarily in after school programs and Church School.
She married Richard N. Selby and left the teaching profession to devote herself to her family. She had three children and created and nurtured a loving family.
Barb pursued many interests. She was an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles, movies, cooking, watching baseball, trips to the beach, and fellowship with her many friends and family. She was religious and loved attending services, mainly at Christ Church, where she was a volunteer.
Barb loved art. She studied art at the Brooks Memorial Museum of Art in Memphis and at the Delaware Art Museum. Her work was exhibited in solo and group shows, and local and international juried shows, in which she won several awards. She was a member of organizations including the Council of Delaware Artists, National League of American Pen Women, Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the Studio Group, which owns and operates the Howard Pyle Studio on Franklin Street. At the Studio Group she found kindred spirits, inspiration, further educational opportunities and mentors, challenges, fulfillment and identity. She served in several capacities with the Studio Group to maintain and advance the organization.
Barb was a caring, selfless, empathetic, kind, down-to-earth person; a great lady with a beautiful smile who was approachable and instantly likeable. She enjoyed having pets and her dogs had the sweetest dispositions.
Barbara was predeceased by her son Andrew R. and is survived by her husband Richard N. and sons Christopher P. and Timothy J. Selby and Tim’s fiancé Gail Hanrahan. We love her forever.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Studio Group Inc., Delaware Art Museum, or Christ Church.
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