Selina A Walder

Selina Ann Walder peacefully passed away on March 13, 2025, at Mason Christian Village in Mason, Ohio, after years of navigating health challenges with grace and resilience.

Selina was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on March 26, 1938, and was the only child of William Hutchinson Sparrow and Lilla Mae Brunt. She spent her early years living in the Leaf Hotel, which her father owned. Growing up, she loved dance, and as a young adult, she developed a passion for travel, visiting Canada, Europe, and Central and South America.

She attended Brenau College before graduating with honors in social work from Florida State University. Driven by a desire to help others, she moved to Dayton, Ohio, to work as a probation counselor with Montgomery County Juvenile Court. There, she met her future husband, Robert Lee Walder, who was working as an analyst at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. They reportedly met at a Young Republicans party—an amusing anecdote, as Selina was not especially political, and Robert was a lifelong Democrat. As the story goes, the Young Republicans threw the best parties.

Their first date was at a local Chinese restaurant, and they never looked back. Their engagement was announced in June 1966, and they wed on September 4, 1966, at Community Methodist Church in Dayton.

Their daughter, Caroline Mae, was born on May 28, 1969, at Kettering Medical Center, followed by their son, Erich William, on August 5, 1971. It is alleged that had Erich been born first, he would have been an only child—but that is hearsay.

Once Caroline and Erich were in school full-time, Selina rejoined the workforce as a travel agent. She cleverly turned her love of travel into a way to fund more travel. (Her children may recall how much fun it was to tour hotel lobbies on family vacations.) Her career took her from Top Value Travel to Total Travel Management to 5/3 Travel before she retired—to travel even more.

Selina’s journey was one of courage and reinvention. Her husband, Bob, preceded her in death by more than 20 years. In the wake of that loss, she didn’t just endure—she adapted and thrived. She tackled life’s challenges head-on, learning to bank and pay bills online, navigate technology, and manage home maintenance with her signature determination.

Nine years ago, after a spinal surgery altered her ability to live independently in Dayton, she made Mason Christian Village in Cincinnati her home. Despite the physical limitations she faced, she never let them define her. She embraced life fully, making friends wherever she went and pushing herself to find joy in each moment. Complaining simply wasn’t in her nature.

At Mason Christian Village, she embraced the transition in geography and independence with characteristic bravery and resilience. She traded her busy social life and volunteer activities in Dayton for new friendships and opportunities. The last year of her life was difficult, as her body slowly confined her to a chair and, eventually, to a bed. And yet, even in those final days, there was beauty and solace in being surrounded by family and the caring staff who knew and loved her like their own. Instead of self-pity, she showed resilience, strength, and joy—especially in the presence of her three beloved grandchildren: Garrett, Landon, and Harrison. Though she could no longer venture out to shop for them, she always found a way—every snack or trinket that came her way was quickly “re-gifted” to them with love.

Her indomitable spirit, zest for life, and infectious energy will be missed more than words can say. We are heartbroken but have no complaints—she would frown on that. She lived a full life, and we are so very grateful—grateful for the time we had, the lessons she taught us, and the love she gave so freely.

Mom, your adventure continues, and we know you’re off to your next great journey. We will carry your love and light with us always.

We invite you to join us in celebrating the life of Selina Walder. Together, we will honor her memory, share stories that reflect her spirit, and remember the lessons she imparted. Let’s gather to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate a life well lived.

📅 When: Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, 📍 Where: Mason Christian Village, Stone Center (411 Western Row, Mason, OH 45040) Time: 11 AM 🥗 Lunch to follow

Selina was a devoted patron of the arts, giving her time as a volunteer at Victoria Theatre, Memorial Hall, and Fraze Pavilion for several years. She found great joy in supporting the performing arts and cherished the experiences they brought to her life.

For more than nine years, Selina and her family were deeply grateful for the kindness, friendship, and unwavering care she received at Mason Christian Village. The staff became an extended family, enriching her days with compassion, comfort, and companionship. Their dedication made an immeasurable difference in her life, and her family will always be thankful for the love and support she received there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Selina’s honor to:

• The Dayton Performing Arts Campus in support of Victoria Theatre: Donate Here
• A Charitable Gift to Mason Christian Village*: Donate Here

*Checks may be addressed to CBA Foundation and mailed to 411 Western Row Rd, Mason, OH 45040 including Selina Walder on the memo line.