Obituary of Mary Beth Selin

 

Mary Beth (LaTour) Selin was born in Duluth, MN April 11, 1943, to William and Myrtle LaTour. She was blessed with a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, including early years with Grandpa Klaus in her home. Sister Kathy remained her best friend to the very end. 

From her hillside home, she had views of Lake Superior and enjoyed sledding down the alley behind her house. Ice skating was a favorite winter activity. She loved singing in church choirs, in the Moody Women’s Chorale, and duets with Kathy. 

She was oriented toward teaching children from the earliest days. When she and Kathy played dolls, Kathy was the nurse and Mary Beth the teacher. Those interests persisted as she pursued university training in elementary and pre-school education, as well as Christian education at Moody Bible Institute. 

Starting as a teenager, she was involved in children’s ministries on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. She taught Hmong children at two churches. She taught in public schools and ended her teaching career at the Child Development Center, University of Northwestern—when it became too difficult to sit on the floor with two children on her lap. With a tender heart for children in need, she chose to teach in an inner-city school and on two occasions supported families needing after-school care.  

She married Larry Selin in 1975, living in Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin while raising two sons: Jonathan (Jamie) and Jason (Cassie). They are blessed with five grandchildren: William, Callie, Kajsa, Wilder, and Finnegan. 

Mary Beth demonstrated her tender heart as a faithful caregiver during the final years of Larry’s parents through regular visits, doing laundry, and providing meals. 

Leaving this earth on January 25, 2022, her passing has left a huge hole in our lives. The sadness is overwhelming at times; at the same time, we are glad she is now free from the many limitations that she endured in recent years—believing that “…  if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) 

Thank you, Lord, for the great gift of Mary Beth in our lives. You give and take away; blessed be the name of the Lord. As she did, we wish to honor You in all we do.

 

Services will be livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3Wtal5N5v0 

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