Selene Jocham Southard

Malden Bridge- Selene Jocham Southard, 66, passed away on November 3, 2024, at Evergreen Commons Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush, NY. Selene was born on August 31, 1958, in Jersey City, NJ, to Robert and Marjorie Jocham. During Selene's childhood, the Jocham family lived in New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. As the third of eight children, Selene grew up in a lively and loving home. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her parents, five brothers, and two sisters, including their family ski trips and shared love of horseback riding.

Following the Jocham Family's move to Malden Bridge, NY, Selene attended and graduated from New Lebanon High School in New Lebanon, NY. Selene brightened the lives of the many lifelong friends that she met in high school and in the years that followed. After high school, Selene met the love of her life, Christopher Southard, whom she married on January 20, 1979. Selene and Chris were steadfast companions and supported each other throughout life's journey, with the couple spending their early married years in East Lansing, Michigan while Chris completed his veterinary degree at Michigan State University. The couple returned to New York and eventually owned a veterinary practice in Kinderhook, New York, where Selene, a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, kept the books for many years.

In New York, Selene and Chris raised their three children, Sarah, Collin, and Tristan. A caring and devoted mother, Selene could always be seen on the sidelines of her children's soccer matches and swim meets. She relished decorating for every holiday and filled the family home with warmth, festivity, and joy each Christmas season. Selene cherished any opportunity to visit with her siblings, parents, and extended relations. Her husband and children joined her on many car trips to visit family in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Florida, most of which were accompanied by a soundtrack from her favorite musician, Cat Stevens. As her children grew up and started families of their own, Selene found immense joy in the company of her many grandchildren. Selene also greatly enjoyed spending time with her close friends, including during weekly jogs and walks, as well as a trip to the Mediterranean in 2008 that was filled with laughter and inspired stories that would be told for years to come.

Selene's later years included great hardship as a result of her nearly decade-long battle with dementia. It is a testament to her character that after so much time, memories of her warmth and kindness still shine through the brightest. To the end, Selene still enjoyed the company of her husband, family, and friends, as well as the music that brought her so much joy in life. Despite her affliction, Selene could still be found on the dance floor of her youngest son Tristan's wedding in 2019, with a smile on her face and surrounded by loved ones.

Selene's memory will be forever cherished by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jocham Sr. and Marjorie Jocham, and her brother, Robert Jocham Jr. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Christopher Southard of Malden Bridge, NY; her daughter, Sarah Spraker of Clifton Park, NY, and her children, Hannah, Gabriella, Aidan and Ashton; her son, Collin Southard of Ballston Spa, NY, and his children, Corbin, Maddox, Cecilia and Amelia; her son, Tristan Southard of Falls Church, VA, and his wife, Meagan; her sister-in-law, Karen; her sister, Marybeth Hursa and her husband, Peter; her brother, Edward Jocham and his wife, Kathy; her brother, Andrew Jocham and his wife, Karin; her brother, Christopher Jocham, and his wife, Julie; her sister, Marjorie Donald, and her husband, Bob; and her brother, Mark Jocham, and his wife, Jennifer.

A memorial service for Selene will be scheduled for a future date.