Mary Friedman Selber

Mary Selber, 79, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Mary was an extraordinary and beautiful person with a heart of gold. She was a woman of kindness, compassion, generosity, and intellect. Her incredible laugh, irresistible smile, enthusiasm, youthful spirit, and fun-loving nature were something to behold. It is no wonder why everyone loved making her laugh. She had a way of creating comfort and putting people at ease. Everyone was drawn to Mary whether they knew her for years or just met her. She had such special, close friendships as people gravitated toward her energetic, magnetic personality and love for life.

Mary was born on June 14, 1946 in Meridian, Mississippi. On her third birthday, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she lived for most of her life. With an always curious mind and love of learning, she placed great value on education and thrived in a wide array of academic experiences. Mary attended Landon High School for three years, where she was a standout on the varsity swim team. She helped lead her team to winning the district championship and went on to qualify for the highly competitive state meet, where she represented her school in the 50-yard freestyle. She was also voted the sweetheart of a high school fraternity. Mary loved reminiscing about her time spent during her senior year of high school at Stowe Preparatory School in Stowe, Vermont. She graduated as salutatorian of her class, and was voted Best Looking and Best Dressed. Mary attended the University of Alabama, Rider College, and graduated from Jacksonville University with a degree in psychology.

Mary was the rock of the family. Her life was marked by an extraordinary love for her family, friends, and animals. She had a deep bond with her husband, Leonard, for over forty years. Together, they built a loving home full of children and animals. Family dinners were always a priority for Mary. She loved having all of her kids and grandkids over and paid great attention to every detail. When it came to the holidays, her elaborate decorations made every occasion feel exceptionally festive and joyful.

As a mother, Mary was in a league of her own. Her children, as both kids and adults, always turned to her for everything – advice, wisdom, encouragement, reassurance, and an attentive ear. She would bring genuine enthusiasm or heartfelt empathy, depending on the circumstance at hand. Mary’s children and grandchildren wanted to be in her presence as much as possible – they simply loved being near her, enjoying her unwavering love and support.

Mary’s love for animals was surpassed by none. Throughout her life, she felt a profound appreciation and excitement for all living creatures. She was a skilled horseback rider and grew up riding horses. She had two horses of her own, including a horse named Patches who was on “The Arthur Godfrey Show.” Over the years, Mary lovingly cared for her dogs, birds, cats, newts, frogs, and fish. At one point, she had at least nineteen pets, including a dozen dogs (maybe more, depending on which family member you ask). She loved dog shows and traveled to New York City multiple times to attend the Westminster Dog Show. You could ask her any question about any breed, and she would always know the answer and then some.

In addition to dogs, Mary had many hobbies and interests. She was an avid reader and an excellent writer. As a lover of the arts, she appreciated and enjoyed music, movies, and theater. One of her favorite things to do was spend time with her numerous friend groups, including her bridge group that met monthly for over fifty years.

Mary was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2020 and surpassed everyone’s expectations and beat all the odds, surviving for over five years. With tremendous strength and grace, she was an inspiration as she met every challenge that came her way.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Leonard Selber; parents, Lillian and Ben Friedman; and her sister, Ronnie Rosenbaum. She is survived by her beloved children, Julie Kaufman, Allison Brody (Scott), Ben Fink (Jordan), and David Selber (Alexandra); five grandchildren, Lillie, Joe, Aidan, Jacob and Julia; her brother, Mark Friedman; many cherished nieces and nephews; her sweet golden retriever Ziggy and two parrotlets.

Life will never be the same for those who knew her. Mary was a bright light for this world. The service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 9:30 AM at the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Legacy Lodge at 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Following the service at the Legacy Lodge, the graveside service will be held at the New Center Memorial Park Cemetery located at 43rd and Liberty Street (200 E 43rd Street). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jacksonville Humane Society.