Norine Holland Bowdey Seely

Publication

Publication Norine Holland Bowdey Seely, 85, of Stroudsburg, passed away on Saturday, March 8. She was the widow of Roland E. Seely, who died on Aug. 6, 1991.

Born on Sept. 15, 1922, in Dodge City, Kan., she was the daughter of the late Leslie R. and Mary E. (Sealey) Holland.

Norine was valedictorian of El Reno High School, class of 1939, in El Reno, Okla. As a member of the "Greatest Generation," she graduated from nurse's training at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Washington, D.C., and served in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps Reserve during World War II. She received a bachelor of science degree from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C., and a master of arts degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

She enjoyed a career in nursing as an educator, supervisor and administrator, serving on the faculty of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Ill., and as assistant director of the Ann May School of Nursing, Neptune, N.J.

Born to the experiences of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, Norine became a world traveler, an accomplished gardener and an avid reader. We will always remember her sense of humor, love of learning, independent spirit and her conscientious, articulate approach to causes undertaken.

Norine is survived by two sons, Carl E. Seely and his wife, Linda, of Jackson, Tenn., and Britt R. Seely and his wife, Barbara, of Brodheadsville; an "adopted daughter"/friend, Patricia Diehl of Cherry Hill, N.J.; four grandchildren, Reed Seely of DeKalb, Ill., Holland Seely of West Haven, Conn., Warren Edwards of Memphis, Tenn., and Claire Edwards of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and a sister-in-law, Caroline Holland of Sedona, Ariz. She was preceded in death by her first husband, H. Robert Bowdey, and a brother, Leslie R. Holland Jr.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Norine's memory may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, c/o Rev. Elizabeth Haynes, 205 N. Seventh St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360, or to the Eastern Monroe Public Library, c/o Barbara Keiser, Library Director, 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

Kresge Funeral Home, Route 209, Brodheadsville, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Pocono Record – April 15, 2011