Joan P. Selby

JOAN P. SELBY

Joan Patricia Selby was born on October 18, 1953 at Mercy Hospital in Canton Ohio, the second child of Barbara and Joseph Selby. She passed away at her home on March 13, 2024.

Joan was an outstanding scholar, earning National Merit Scholar honors at St. Thomas Aquinas and a full merit scholarship to Ohio Wesleyan where she thrived and excelled, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. Upon graduation she went on to The Ohio State University School of Law.

Joan had a special place in her heart for families and children and specialized in family law. She started her career at the legal aid society, eventually moving on to a partnership with Rosemary Rubin, then to a solo practice where she stayed until retiring from the practice of law. Throughout her practice she continued to do an extraordinary amount of pro bono work, always working to help families and facilitate adoptions, especially for those in need who didn't know how to navigate the system or didn't have the resources to get the help needed.

Throughout her career and post retirement Joan was especially devoted to support of the Palace Theatre, spending countless hours working to support its resurgence. She was especially proud of the work done there, and truly enjoyed sharing in the purpose and success of the Palace.

She was preceded in death by her parents Barbara and Joe and her brother Thomas Selby. She is survived by brothers David and Bart, nephew Tommy Selby, nieces Taylor Selby, Lauren Selby and Katie Selby-Bell and aunt Peggy Fitzmaurice. Her dear friend Julie Edwards deserves special mention – in life and in death Julie was a great friend to Joan and our family.

She will be missed by family, friends and those she gave so much to. Our love always.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations in her name be made in support of the Palace Theatre:

https://www.etix.com/ticket/d/429/canton-palace-theatre.jsp

Donations can also be mailed with checks made payable to the Canton Palace Theatre Association and mailed to:

Canton Palace Theatre Association

605 Market Avenue, N

Canton, OH 44702