Retired legislative assistant was cycling enthusiast, steady friend
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Terri Mickolay Selembo lived life to the fullest, bringing her friends along for the ride.
She loved cycling with others, a passion that led her to complete multi-day treks in multiple states.
In one memorable trip, she and her wife, Lori Cramer, were joined by friends in a south-to-north journey across Western Pennsylvania.
“We rode from the West Virginia border to Presque Isle,” Cramer said. “That was incredible for four women. It was 300 some miles in three or four days.
The pair’s multiple 100-mile century rides included one in Maryland, from Salisbury University to Assateague State Park and back again.
Ms. Selembo remained active, at one point completing a 70-mile cycling trip, while battling a long-term illness.
“She just was determined,” Cramer said. “It was the faith that she had.”
Terri A. Mickolay Selembo of New Alexandria died Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at her home. She was 60.
Born June 25, 1958, in Latrobe, she was the daughter of the late Philip A. Mickolay Sr. and the late Cathryn Samella Mickolay.
Earning an associate degree at Westmoreland County Community College, Ms. Selembo worked in the Westmoreland County Courthouse from 1977 to 1988, serving in the clerk of courts office and then as a legal secretary in the public defender’s office.
She left her post to raise two young sons, returning for a time once they were older, and also worked for three years at Derry Area School District. She retired in July after 14 years as a legal assistant in the Latrobe office of Rep. Joseph Petrarca.
She developed friendships with many of the clients who turned to the office for assistance.
“With her, every friend was a best friend,” her brother, Philip Mickolay said. “She enjoyed that job because she was able to work with and help people.
“She was the one who connected the dots for them. Their problem became her problem until it was resolved.”
Ms. Selembo had a strong rapport with senior women who arrived at the representative’s office. “She treated them like they were her mother,” Cramer said. “We would have them at our Thanksgiving table.”
A member of the bell choir at Christ United Church of Christ in Latrobe, Ms. Selembo also enjoyed golfing, camping and fishing.
This past summer, she and her wife visited 21 national parks and two national monuments on a cross-country trip.
Ms. Selembo’s friends remained friends for life, including fellow members of a team that played in the Latrobe Women’s Softball Recreation League from 1975 to 1986.
“She brought the team together once a month for dinner,” Cramer said.
In addition to her wife, Ms. Selembo is survived by two sons, Kirk Selembo of Derry Township and Corey Selembo of New Alexandria; and brother Philip Mickolay and his wife, Vickie, of Hempfield.
Friends will be received 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. Wednesday at P. David Newhouse Funeral Home, 215 Church St., New Alexandria. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Christ United Church of Christ, 1414 Ligonier St., Latrobe.
Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery, Crabtree.
Memorial donations may be made to Christ United Church of Christ.
Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff at 724-836-6622, jhimler@tribweb.com or via Twitter @jhimler_news.