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Barbara Kincaid (Menken)
The obituary for Miss Selk.
Mary Ellen Selk was born April 29, 1921, in Peoria, IL. She was the daughter of Edward A. Selk and Blanche Hall Selk. Her parents and one brother preceded her in death. Mary enjoyed a celebration of her 101st birthday in 2022 as a resident of Heritage Health where she passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 15, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, Illinois at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be designated to the Bloomington Second Presbyterian Church Adult Choir Program.
Miss Selk graduated from El Paso High School in 1939 and attended Illinois Wesleyan University. She received a bachelor’s degree (1944) and a master’s degree (1954) from Illinois State Normal University.
Mary taught K-12 vocal music in Yorkville and Woodstock before coming to Bloomington High School in 1949. She directed vocal music at BHS until 1967 when she became Director of Music Activities for District 87. In addition to the responsibilities of Director of Music Activities, she taught vocal music in elementary schools, and retired from the district in 1980.
Mary served on the state board of the Illinois Music Educators Association and was an adjudicator for the Chicago Schools spring vocal festivals. She served for many years as an adjudicator in area music contests.
In 1997, she received the Harold A. Decker Choral Award from the Illinois Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association for her contribution to the lives of choral singers, conductors, and audiences privileged to experience the finest choral music presented under her direction.
In 2008 Mary was elected to the Hall of Fame of Bloomington Public Schools. “Miss Selk was known for her dry sense of humor, the merry twinkle in her eye, and her tireless devotion to her chosen profession.”
She was nominated for and honored to receive the Burt Mercier Alumni Service Award from the Illinois State University Alumni Association. Mary was initiated into Delta Kappa Gamma Music Society on October 8, 1955, taking pleasure in a membership of 68 years. Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity valued her 66 years of loyal, active affiliation. Mary was also a member of the local Ariel Club. Mary sang with the Second Presbyterian Church Chapel Choir beginning in 1951 and became a member of the church in 1982. As a member she served as an Elder, Chair of Presbyterian Women, and was a faithful and dedicated member of the Chapel Choir. Mary was also a long time, active member of the Bloomington Amateur Musical Club.
"Keep Singing"
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