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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Barbara Paul Selby

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.

Funeral Services

A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church Friday, February 26, 2021 at 10AM. Interment will follow at Lower Brandywine Cemetery.

Condolences

    Matt and Justine Stine lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Tim,Chris, Mr.Selby and Gail, we are thinking of you and sending our condolences for you. Prayers for a peaceful heart to your all🙏
    02/25/2021 07:35 pm
    Kathy Ruck writes,
    My sympathies to Barb's family. We will greatly miss Barb at the Studio Group.
    02/25/2021 08:06 pm
    Mary Lou Griffin writes,
    Barb will be greatly missed by her sister Pen Women. Barb was always willing to participate and help out with our Branch Biennial Art Shows. She had a wonderful warm personality and great sense of humor. I will always remember her kindness and mentoring when I joined the Diamond State Branch. Sorry for your loss.
    02/26/2021 09:04 am
    Michael Diebold writes,
    My sympathies to the family during this time of grief.
    02/26/2021 09:20 am
    Bonita Frawley lit a candle and writes,
    As a newer member of the Pyle Studio I only got to know Barb for a short time when we worked on the education outreach committee for Pyle. But I want her family to know that I have one of her small paintings adorning my shore house. It is so refreshing and lovely! I can remember her in this way as I relax at the shore! My sympathy for your loss of a precious lady.
    02/26/2021 02:21 pm
    Lu Johnston writes,
    Sending condolences to all in Barb's family. I met her through our involvement with the Christ Church/Beth Emeth Interfaith pot-luck event. As I remember, she walked right up to me at church, said she was interested, and there was no turning back! She helped lead that event for many years. She had a friendly, welcoming spirit. May your fond memories of her help you through any sadness.
    03/03/2021 10:56 am

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