Deborah H. Selden

deborah selden

May 1, 1947 ~ October 16, 2020

Born in: Jackson, MS
Resided in: Hamden, CT

Deborah Holston Selden, 73, of Hamden, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2020 at The Connecticut Hospice. Deb was born in Jackson, MS on May 1, 1947 to the late Rev. James and Bennie Hunnicutt Holston. She had been a speech pathologist for over 50 years, having received her Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma College for Women, did her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin, and earned her Master’s in Communication Disorders from SCSU. Starting her career in the Milwaukee Public Schools, she continued her work in numerous school districts throughout Connecticut; having developed speech programs for schools, parents, and most importantly, the children she worked with. For the past 26 years she was instrumental in the Connecticut Birth-to-Three system, where she created programs, provided diagnostic evaluations, secured and maintained pediatric contracts, along with countless other advances for Reachout, Easter Seals of CT, Paragon Rehabilitation, and Easter Seals Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center. Besides running her own private practice since 2006, Deb had worked different roles at SCSU as an adjunct instructor, clinical teaching supervisor, adjunct professor, and coordinator of school practicum since 1984. Despite her busy career, Deborah was active in the community on the boards of Vantage Group, Inc., The ARC, and Easter Seals of CT. She held positions anywhere from secretary to president. As a devout member of the Unitarian Society of New Haven, Deb was involved with membership and worship committees and the Immigration Task Force.
Besides her beloved husband of 53 years, Edwin V. Selden, her children, Kirk of East Haven and Christopher (Marie) of Norwich; her sister, Elaine Schmidt of Oklahoma City; her brother, James (Janet) Holston of Durham, NC and her nieces and nephews will remember Deb. Her daughter, Callie, predeceased Deb.
BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements. A family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Deb’s memory to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.

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  1. I was so sorry to read about Deb’s passing. My condolences and prayers for Van, Kirk and Chris. Sincerely, Bob Girard

  2. I feel such deep sadness to learn of Debbie’s passing. Van, you and Deb were such wonderful neighbors and friends. She truly was a kind and good person…an incredible mother…and I know a loving wife. She will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Debbie, you are loved.

  3. Dear Van,
    I am so sorry to hear about Deb’s passing. I didn’t know she was ill. I enjoyed every interaction with her and looked forward to getting to know her better once we were all able to be in one place again. I wish you comfort in the memories you have created during your many years of marriage and may her memory be a blessing for you and your children.
    Light and love to you,
    Linda Barrett, USNH

  4. Dear Kirk, Van and family,
    This is hard for us to believe. Your mother was always so cheerful when we would see her at the Unitarian Society of New Haven. We hope you all can find some joy during these hard times.
    Our thoughts and prayers are for you.
    George and John Deming and Christine Janis

  5. Vic and I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies from our family to yours. We have wonderful memories starting in the 1980s when our families first met in New Haven. Deb was a blessing to so many!!! How lucky we were to have had her in our lives. Please accept our condolences, and know you all will remain in our prayers.

  6. Hello Van
    Christine & I would like to send our deepest condolences to you and your family over the loss of your wife Deborah.
    Based on your request, we will be making a donation to the Connecticut Hospice.
    May God bless you and your family.

  7. So very sorry… Deb was a true light, an inspiration to so many of us. Her impact on so many will live on. She is dearly missed and fondly remembered. With love and sympathy.

    John and Evelyn Ryan

  8. Dear Van and family,
    I send condolences and prayers. Debbie was such a wonderful caring individual and was such an accomplished Speech Pathologist. I was so fortunate to know her as a fellow professional and friend. May she rest in peace.

    Fondly,
    Fran Giffin

  9. Dear Van,
    so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Debbie was such a caring individual and an accomplished Speech Pathologist. I feel fortunate to have known her professionally and as a friend. May she rest in peace.

  10. Dear Van and family
    I was so saddened to hear of Debbie’s death. Debbie was a great neighbor and valued friend. I know that many people benefited from her skills. The Colony Rd gang of kids spent a lot of great times playing together. She touched many lives. She is at rest without pain. Her memory is a blessing for us all. Fondly, Greta Seashore

  11. Dear Van, Kirk and Christopher,
    Debby was a special gal, always smiling and a kind word. We will never forget the Colony Rd. days!!! Many great memories, most recently I had seen Deb at Weight Watchers in Branford, it was great to reconnect. Debbie and I laughed at how many bananas we would eat because they were 0 points. I will forever think of her when I eat a banana!! For sure she is nestling her dear Calli in her arms RIP Deb!!

  12. I just read about Deb’s passing in the CSHA newsletter. Deb and I worked together at SCSU. I remember her bubbling personality, knowledge, and commitment to our field. Ken and I moved to Boston about 6 years ago and I lost track of my “speechy” friends. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss and the loss to our community. Ken and I send our condolences and prayers. Stay strong and safe.

  13. I recently heard about Deb’s passing from Yvonne Bradley. So very sorry to hear this.

    I always admired Deb. She was a fierce advocate, a bright presence and carried herself with beauty and grace!

    To Van, Kirk and Chris—may you always be comforted by the love you shared with her. Thinking of you.


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