Colette Marie Selby

Colette Marie Selby, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 11, 1952, on Mother's Day in Rochester, Minnesota, to her late parents Bernard and Mary Selbitschka. Colette was a loving and cherished mother to her children Angela (Tyson) Marlette, Ross (Shana) Kolodziej, and Mitchell (Amanda) Kolodziej-Fure. She was also a proud grandmother to Keagan, Phoenix, and Mirrha.

Colette has a close-knit family and is survived by her nine brothers and sisters: Jennifer Piccolo, Bernard Selbitschka Jr., Pam (Kevin) Riley, Brenda (Steve) Lawler, Brian Selbitschka, Debbie (Jeff) Mischnick, Thomas Selbitchka, Monica (Greg) LeMay, and Todd Selbitschka. She also leaves behind a plethora of adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish her memory.

As a child she was known to be a handful, keeping her parents and siblings on their toes. She said she would purposely miss the school bus home just to be able to walk to Marigold Dairy (her dad's job) and have ice cream. Her sense of adventure and joyous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In 1970, Colette graduated from North High School and started courses at the University of Minnesota and completing them at Lakewood State Junior College. After working for Prudential for over 20 years, in 1995, Colette embarked on a new career in nursing, graduating from Anoka-Hennepin Technical College. Colette's dedication to her profession, caring nature and steadfast faith changed the lives of many.

Colette found solace and strength in her relationship with Jesus Christ. She and her children grew in faith as they worshipped together at The Church of St. Paul in Ham Lake and later, she became a long-time parishioner and Eucharistic minister at The Church of the Epiphany. She was proud to be Catechetical Institute graduate and loved traveling, painting, building snowmen and listening to the waves break on the shores of Lake Superior.

Colette Marie Selby will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her loving nature, adventurous spirit, and dedication to her family and community will be cherished forever.

A visitation to honor Colette's life will take place at Washburn McReavy Coon Rapids Chapel on Monday, January 8th, 2024, from 9am to 12pm. The Church of the Epiphany will offer visitation starting at 1:30pm and Mass followed by burial at 2:30pm. The family is planning light refreshements and fellowship to follow. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Colette's remarkable life.