Lynn Carol Selmser

Lynn Carol Selmser, 77, of Annandale, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on September 5, 2025. Lynn was the daughter of Cecil R. Selmser, Jr., who died in 1974, and his wife Margaret H. Stagemeyer Selmser, who passed in 2005. Born and raised in York, PA, Lynn graduated from William Penn High School in 1966. She received her BS in Government and Politics (cum laude) in 1984 from the University of Maryland University College (now Global Campus) and her MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from George Mason University in 1993.

Lynn dedicated her life to education and advocacy. She worked on the personal congressional staff of Rep. Robert McClory (R-IL) from 1974-1981 and Rep. William Goodling (R-PA) from 1981-1989 and was a professional staff member for Congressman Goodling on the Committee on Education and Workforce (formerly Education and Labor) Committee from 1989-2001. During her career Lynn worked on and became an expert on issues including child nutrition, impact aid, juvenile justice, gun control, and child, adult, and family literacy. She made a lasting impact by supporting the passage of education bills through Congress, and, in recognition of her contributions, she was honored with recognition in the Congressional Record in 2001, an achievement that reflected her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of others. After retiring from Federal government service, she was a valued consultant to the Military Impacted Schools Association, the National Center for Family Literacy, and the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium.

Beyond her career, Lynn lived with passion and kindness. She adored horses, found magic in Disney, and had a heart for rescuing animals in need. Lynn was a part of the Homeward Trail and Pets Bring Joy pet adoption organizations. She and Doug fostered and found homes for many animals (including many foster failures) throughout the years. Their love and devotion to animals gave so many their forever homes.

Lynn’s love of travel led her to her homes away from home: Walt Disney World, Hutchinson Island, Florida, and Ocean City, Maryland. She spent many family vacations at Walt Disney World, and her must do was to visit Epcot, especially the country pavilions at Epcot and The Journey to Imagination with Figment and Living with the Land rides. She and Doug frequented the Ocean City condo with their dogs, kittens, and non-fur family. Lynn thoroughly enjoyed visiting Ocean City and Walt Disney World with her long-time high school girlfriends, Linda, Jeannie, Joyce, and JoMarie.

Lynn passed at home in Annandale, VA, and was buried in Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, PA following a private service for the family on September 27, 2025.

Lynn is survived by her devoted spouse of 40 years, Doug Komer, and her three children: Wade Runge, Jason Runge, and Ryan Runge. She was a proud grandmother to Amber Cranston and Jase Runge (children of Jason and April), and Kai and Aris Runge (children of Ryan and Lina). Lynn was blessed to be a great-grandmother to James (Bucky), Scarlet, and Sylvie Cranston (children of Amber). Lynn is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Diane Gallant and Debbie Rhea; her daughters in law Lina Runge, April Runge, and Amy Devaney; and other family cousins. She was preceded in death by her sister Cathy Selmser.

A celebration of Lynn’s life was held on November 8th at Lynn and Doug’s home in Annandale, VA, where family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends gathered to honor her memory and achievements.

Lynn will be deeply missed, but her love, strength, and spirit will live on in her family and in the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an animal rescue organization of their choice in tribute to Lynn’s lifelong dedication to caring for animals.