SUSAN SELBY
Susan Ellen Selby (née Goessell) passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 23, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer.
She is survived by her loving husband Don, son Andrew, brothers Garry Goessell (Elaine) and Randy Goessell (Christianne), sister-in-law Sheila Selby (Joseph Renaud) and brother-in-law Ross Selby (Gail Harrison). She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born on Sept 10, 1960 in Kincardine, Susan was predeceased by her mother Ellen Goessell Rowe, father Ralph Goessell and stepfather Ken Rowe.
Susan became a teacher to share her passion for music. Her career started in London, Ontario at Mountsfield Public School. One year later, she married Don and they moved to Durham Region where she launched a new music program at Dr. Robert Thornton Public School in Whitby. The teachers she met there became life-long friends, a pattern that continued throughout her life.
Susan really hit her stride when she moved to Brock High School to teach at the secondary level. There she was introduced to musical theatre. After several wonderful years in Cannington, Susan accepted the music headship at the new Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby where she created a legacy of excellence in music and arts over the next 25 years. The many high points of her career include professional calibre musical theatre productions, local band and choir concerts, international band trips and music festival performances.
Susan enjoyed travel and was an avid participant in scuba diving, sailing, swimming, cycling, table tennis, squash, racquetball, golf and both downhill and cross-country skiing. Her activities were always capped off by her oft heard mantra, “Best Day Ever!”
After 33 years in education, Susan retired in 2018. This allowed her time to start some new adventures – including pickleball and ukulele, and joining the recently established Durham RESOUND choir.
The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to Susan by the doctors, nurses and staff at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Durham Region Cancer Centre and Home and Community Care Support Services Central East.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 from 2-4 or 7-9 p.m. at the McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral Home (152 King St. E., Oshawa; 905-433-5558). Due to the pandemic, the family has requested that all visitors be double-vaccinated (vaccine passport and proof of identification required). Register online at https://signup.com/go/LCZOfCR to secure a time slot to visit.
Memorial donations to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (Ride to Conquer Cancer Fund) would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
I was a student of Mrs. Selby’s at Sinclair 10 years ago. She brought so much energy and positivity to the band and music class. I worked on the school musical Annie with her and her husband Don. Such wonderful memories. She made an impact on me even after all these years. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for this great loss, I was a student of Mrs Selby in 1987 and 1988. She was an important influence in my elementary year and I often think of her now in my adult years. I have also shared stories with my kids of the fantastic music teacher I once had. ❤️
I knew Susan for a very short time back in the early ‘70s when I moved from England to Kincardine, due to my fathers job. I was only in Kincardine for about 6 months , of the kids in my class, many I have forgotten, but some names and faces stayed with me and Susan’s was one of those. I remember her smile, and her laughter. She was a good person, who made me feel welcome
To Don and Family: I am greatly saddened by your loss. Much respect and sympathy.