Selby B. Ehrlich, 95, longtime Bedford resident and volunteer

Selby Brown Ehrlich, born Selby Newell Brown, a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and longtime resident of Bedford, N.Y., passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born Nov. 11, 1930, to Lois Newell Brown and McLary H. Brown of Rochester. Selby lived a life defined by warmth, grace, and an enduring commitment to family and community. She graduated from the Columbia School for Girls (now Allendale Columbia School) in Rochester and Wheelock College in Boston where she earned her degree in early childhood education. She began her teaching career in Wilmington, Del., and then  New York City, where she met her husband, Peter R. Ehrlich Sr. of Rye and Boston. They married in 1952 and in 1956 settled in Bedford, where they raised their four sons. For 60 years their home on Pound Ridge Road was a place of gathering, laughter, and everlasting memories.

Selby was deeply engaged in the Bedford community where she was a pre-kindergarten teacher at Rippowam Cisqua School for 14 years, where her students cherished her for her patience and kindness. She was a proud member of the Bedford Garden Club and an enthusiastic golfer and tennis player at the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club. Known throughout Bedford as a joyful and welcoming presence, she brought a bright smile and positive energy wherever she went.

Her dedication to service was evident in her many volunteer efforts. Selby volunteered with the Frontier Nursing Service in Kentucky as a young woman, and went on to give her time locally to Northern Westchester Hospital, the Bedford Free Library, and St. Matthews Episcopal Church. She proudly served as an advisory board member of  The Mianus River Gorge, as well. Her contributions reflected a life lived with generosity and purpose.

Selby is survived by her four sons, Peter Jr., James (Jennifer), Timothy, and John (Katy); her four grandchildren, Peter, Samuel (Megan), Katherine, and Josie (Mason); as well as her two great-grandchildren, Peter and Annie. She will be remembered as a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend.

A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Bedford at 11 a.m. May 23.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bedford Free Library, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the Bedford Historical Society or Mianus River Gorge, Inc.

Selby’s warmth, kindness, and radiant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her, especially her family, who were the center of her life.