Obituary of Kathleen O’Connell Selby

NEW LINK: Please click here to be connected to the stream of Kathy's Funeral Mass.

Click here to view the booklet for Kathy's Funeral Mass.

With heavy hearts we announce the death of Kathleen O’Connell Selby, age 57, of Collegeville, PA who passed away peacefully in her home on May 3, 2020. 

She was born in Philadelphia, PA on May 6, 1962, the daughter of the late John J. O'Connell III and Elaine (Burke) O’Connell.

Kathy was raised in Glenside, PA. Growing up, she was a proud member of the Bishop McDevitt Marching Unit and spent her summers down the shore with her family. She was a diligent student both at St. Luke’s and Bishop McDevitt High School. She received perfect attendance from Kindergarten through twelfth grade. 

Kathy earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University where she met her husband Bill. They were married in November of 1985. They lived in West Norriton before moving to Collegeville in 1992. Kathy was a devoted member of St. Eleanor Catholic Church and filled her life with strong faith.  

Kathy worked for PECO at Limerick Generating Station for many years before deciding to stay home to raise her children. She also worked as the Associate Director of The Dance Centre in Skippack, where both of her girls grew up dancing. Most recently she returned to work as a Teacher's Aide at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a teacher. She touched the lives of countless families through her work. 

She enjoyed memorable times with close friends at dinner groups, St. Patrick’s Day parades and Superbowl parties. She was lucky to be a part of an infamous Book Club for twenty one years. Kathy loved throwing parties, making the people she loved so happy. Kathy’s summers were spent with family and friends in Wildwood Crest. She loved traveling with her family especially to Walt Disney World. She never missed her son's football games or girls’ dance performances. Kathy was famous for her Irish scones, which were a favorite to all. 

Kathy was kind to everyone around her and loved with her whole heart. She was someone everyone could lean on. She will be remembered for her selflessness, compassion, positivity and faithfulness. 

Most of all she is remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and cousin.  

Survivors include her husband of 34 years, William E. Selby of Collegeville; son, Michael Selby (Lindsey Weldon) of Kennett Square; two daughters, Mary Kate Selby and Brenna Selby, both of Collegeville; two sisters, Terri O’Connell (Mark McMaster) of Williamstown, NJ and Roseann (Andrew) Bird of Lansdale; and brother, John IV (Shari) O’Connell of Harrisburg. Kathy is also survived by her late father's wife, Monica O'Connell as well as three nephews, Patrick, Aidan and Ethan. Kathy is also remembered by a large Irish family and many wonderful friends.  

Kathy’s family is grateful for the many prayers and to Fox Chase Cancer Center for their compassionate care.   

Due to present public health concerns, services will be as follows:

Kathy's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 AM in St. Eleanor Church, 647 Locust Street, Collegeville, PA 19426. Only the immediate family will be permitted in the Church due to government regulations. Family and friends who wish to participate in honoring Kathy are welcome to gather in St. Eleanor's parking lot on Wednesday before 10:00 AM. Please remain in your cars during the Mass and watch the streaming of the Mass on your phone or other device. Following the Mass, there will be a procession to St. Ann's Cemetery in Phoenixville, which all are welcome to participate and place a flower for Kathy and safely greet the family. Services will conclude with a drive-by final farewell and interment in St. Ann's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Cross Regional Catholic School in Kathy’s honor. These funds are to be used for the benefit of teachers’ classroom supplies. 

Online Donations: GoFundMe  Holy Cross Teachers Supply Fund - Kathy Selby 

       Online Donations Click Here

Or by mail to Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, 701 Locust Street, Collegeville, PA 19426. 

Click here to be connected to the live stream of Kathy's Funeral Mass.