Lyla M. Selva

Lyla M. Selva — Beloved Wife, Mother of Five, and "Momsie" to Many

Lyla M. Selva passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 96. Born on April 4, 1929, in León, Nicaragua, Lyla lived a life defined by courage, resilience, generosity, faith, and deep devotion to her family and community.

As a young woman, Lyla immigrated to the United States with just $60 in her pocket and an unwavering determination to build a better future. She began her life in the U.S. working the overnight shift at the Hostess Bakery plant in San Francisco while living in a "house for young ladies" run by nuns in the Haight-Ashbury District. Soon after, she married Manuel A. Selva—the love of her life—in Nicaragua, then they returned to San Francisco to begin their life together.

While Manuel worked to begin his medical career in the United States—learning English and passing medical board exams after already having practiced as a physician in Nicaragua—Lyla supported the family every step of the way. She worked at AAA, and later helped run the front office of Dr. Selva's medical practice in San Francisco's Mission District, where they proudly served the Latino community. For more than three decades, Lyla welcomed patients with warmth and kindness, ensuring that everyone who walked into the office felt respected and cared for.

Lyla cherished being a mother to her five sons. While working full time, she raised them with unwavering love and high expectations. She instilled in them the values that would guide their lives: faith, discipline, and humility. Lyla often reminded her sons, "Being successful is hard work, while being unsuccessful is very easy." She insisted they learn both English and Spanish, telling them that speaking two languages meant they would be "worth two people instead of one." Lyla also nurtured in them a deep appreciation for Jesuit education. They were encouraged to live by the Jesuit principle of being "a person for others." Although her sons went on to pursue very different careers across medicine, business, higher education, and media, they all credit their mother for laying the foundation for their successes.

Lyla had a rare gift for connecting with people. She loved conversation, listened deeply, and could quickly befriend anyone she met. For her, every conversation was an opportunity to learn about another person's life and share a moment of genuine connection. Her warmth, curiosity, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

Later in life, her legacy was honored through the Lyla M. Selva Scholarship at St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco. Her sons established this scholarship to support Latina students and celebrate the values of perseverance, education, and service that Lyla embodied so fully.

Above all, Lyla will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother—an extraordinary woman whose strength and love shaped generations of her family. She leaves behind her five beloved sons and daughters-in-law: Manuel Jr. (Manny) + Judi, Fernando, Roberto (Bert) + Cindie, Jorge + Marcy, and William (Will) + Jenn, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward the lessons she taught and the love she gave so freely. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 63 years, Dr. Manuel A. Selva, Sr.

To those who knew and loved her, Lyla was simply "Momsie." What began as a nickname from her five boys soon became the name by which she was known to family and friends alike—a reflection of the unconditional love she shared with everyone around her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Newport Beach, California, on April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at Big Canyon Country Club, Newport Beach, California. Lyla will be laid to rest in a separate private ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery near San Francisco, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the Lyla M. Selva Scholarship at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, to help future generations pursue the education she believed could change lives. Gifts can be made using the following URL: www.siprep.org/give

Those who knew her will always remember the love, wisdom, and strength of the woman they simply called "Momsie."

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Donations:

St. Ignatius College Preparatory

Lyla M. Selva Scholarship

2001-37th Ave.

San Francisco, CA 94116

www.siprep.org/give

Church:

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church

2100 Mar Vista Dr.

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Reception:

Big Canyon Country Club

1 Big Canyon Dr.

Newport Beach, CA 92660