Lynnette Dorothy Selgrath

Lynnette Dorothy Selgrath (née Ford), 84, passed away peacefully on December 17,
2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just days before what would have been her 85th
birthday.

Born December 21, 1940 in Presbyterian Hospital to the late Linwood Taylor Ford, Jr.
and Dorothy Maloney (née Haberle), she grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and
Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where her bright spirit and boundless creativity quickly
became her trademarks. A proud member of the first graduating class of Penncrest
High School, she was honored as “Most Talkative” and “Most Artistic,” distinctions that
beautifully reflected the joyful, expressive life she would go on to lead.

A gifted artist and talented seamstress, Lynnette painted, crafted, and created beautiful
garments for her daughters and many others. Her home was always filled with light,
color, music, and the energy of a new sewing or craft project. Growing a garden or plant
and how best to do this from cuttings or seeds was also a hobby that encouraged
growth of all kinds. Lynnette was an eternal student of life, guided by boundless
curiosity and a love of discovery, that she passed on to her children. She surrounded
them with music, creativity, knowledge, and words—introducing books and dictionaries
early, encouraging questions, and nurturing a home where learning was woven into
everyday life. Whether exploring the newest technological advances, diving into
subjects from religion and anthropology to mechanical engineering, or simply wondering
about the world, she inspired in her daughters a deep and lasting love of learning. A
true wordsmith, she delighted in crossword puzzles and any challenge that stretched
the mind, reveling in the play of language and the thrill of intellectual exploration.
Through her example, she taught her children—and many others—to broaden their
world through curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery.

Lynnette’s professional life was as varied and vibrant as she was. In the 1960s, she
worked for Stouffer’s Hotels, helping open Cup & Stirrup restaurants across the eastern
and southern United States and training their banquet staff. Later she took a job closer
to home at Holiday Inn to do the same. The 1970s brought new adventures, including
work with a private investigator in surveillance and administration, soldering woofers
and tweeters, and serving as a Judge of Elections in Southwest Philadelphia. During the
1980s and early 1990s, she worked for LiftaLoft/Asplundh Tree Expert Company as a
keypunch operator and dispatcher for Philadelphia’s streetlight repair division. She also
ran L & F Diversified, taking on odd jobs ranging from corporate janitorial services to
pinstriping trucks. In the 2000s, Lynnette began a career she cherished deeply as a tax
examiner for the Internal Revenue Service, where she worked until her retirement. She
took great pride in her 22 years of federal service and the friendships she formed along
the way.

A traveler and adventurer at heart, Lynnette journeyed across the Pacific with two young
children to Okinawa and Taiwan, later enjoying cruises, beach trips, and cherished
vacations with her siblings, in-laws, and friends. Her favorite destination was always
Aruba, a place that matched her warmth and love of sunshine. Lynnette often said she
wanted to be a friend to mankind, and she was. She made friends (and instant family)
wherever she went and was always willing to lend a hand or offer a listening ear or tidbit
of knowledge.

Known for her kindness, patience, and generosity, Lynnette poured her creativity into
beautiful works that brought light and color to those around her. Far and wide she was
regarded as the kindest person one could ever meet - a devoted mother, a loyal friend,
a thoughtful listener, and a gentle presence in every room she entered. Her warmth and
endless compassion touched countless lives. Her legacy—rooted in creativity,
compassion, humor, and love—will continue to shine through the many lives she
touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with gratitude, affection,
and smiles.

In recent years, Lynnette developed a new interest - Volleyball, and was proud of herself for learning the game and using the lingo to discuss a favorite topic with her favorite person. her grandbaby Maeve. She was so happy to watch her Maeve, play women’s volleyball in the stands or on television at West Chester University.

Lynnette was the loving mother of Dorothy Marie Selgrath, the late Francis Xavier “Franny Boy” Selgrath Jr., and Dianna Michelle Selgrath and was the adoring grandmother of Maeve Frances Gallagher, who brought her immeasurable joy and pride.

Beloved sister of Karen Gorman (Vince),
Lance Ford (Monica), Stephen Ford (Jeanne), Carolyn Mitchell (Stephen), and Keith
Ford (Wendy) along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and
friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Maloney (Earl), and Linwood T. Ford Jr (beloved stepmother Clara B.), her brother Linwood Taylor Ford III, and her sister Suzanne Felten (John) and her longtime partner Jack Mager.

Relatives and friends are invited to offer condolences to her family on Friday January 9, 2026 from 10 AM - 12 noon at T.J. Fluehr Funeral Home, 3160 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19114. Religious Service 12 noon. Interment to be held privately.

To share a memory of Lynnette, please visit www.tjfluehr.com

If considering sending flowers, the family requests white mums/flowers, alternatively,
plant a tree to honor her memory or donate in her name to the West Chester University Volleyball program by using the link below or mailing to:
WCU Volleyball,
c/o WCU Foundation,
202 Carter Drive, West Chester PA 19382.