Suzanne Karen "Riddle" Selleny

Suzanne Karen Selleny, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. Born on June 4, 1946, she was the beloved daughter of the late Denis and Jean Cross Riddle. On December 2, 1972, she married the love of her life, John Selleny, with whom she shared a lifetime of devotion and joy.

Suzanne graduated from St. Benedict Academy in 1964. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Mercyhurst College in 1968 and her master's degree from Gannon University in 1970. She dedicated her career to teaching in the Erie School District, where she touched countless lives for 35 years.

Above all, Suzanne was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She took immense pride in her four grandchildren and cherished every moment spent cheering them on at sporting events and Irish dance competitions.

Suzanne had a gift for making others feel welcome. She was known for reaching out to those around her, encouraging them to join in activities and helping build community within her assisted living residences. A true social butterfly, she cultivated deep and lasting friendships throughout her life. She found joy in live music, dancing, and games of all kinds, especially cards.

She was also a fierce advocate for her daughter Sarah, championing her medical and developmental needs during a time when individuals with disabilities often faced unfair treatment. Suzanne was actively involved with the Barber Center and the L'Arche communities, where her compassion and determination made a meaningful impact.

Suzanne will be remembered most for her gentle heart, her generosity, and her unwavering belief in treating all people with fairness and dignity.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Selleny, and her daughter, Sarah Selleny. She is survived by her son, Joe Selleny (Colleen) of Erie; her four cherished grandchildren-JJ, Mary Catherine, Georgia Grace, and Piper Selleny; her brother, Greg Riddle (Nancy) of Erie; her sister, Debbie Czarnecki (Jim) of Henderson, NV; as well as nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Friends may call on Thursday at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St., Erie, PA 16502, from 3 pm until 7 pm and are invited to the Funeral Mass on Friday at Our Lady of Mercy Church at 10 am. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to L'Arche Erie, 3745 West 12th St., Erie, PA 16505, or the Barber National Institute, 100 Barber Place, Erie, PA 16507