Virginia L. Seely


Virginia L. Seely, Deerfield

Virginia L. Seely, 90, of Smith Hill Road, Utica, died on November 1, 2009, at her residence. Mrs. Seely was born on January 11, 1919, in St. Louis, M0, daughter of the late Russell and Mary (Teener) Lewis. About four years later, they moved to Lees Summit, MO, her fathers familys home for some generations. She grew up there, then went to Highland, KS, to live with her Aunt Lillian Overlander to attend Highland Junior College. She then moved with her family to CA and graduated from San Diego State College in 1940. That same year, she was united in marriage with Gordon Seely in La Jolla, CA. In 1950, they came to Utica, when he joined Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company. Their son, Patrick, died at the age of 20 in a tragic accident one year after the death of his father. Patrick had just completed a tour of duty with the Seabees in Antarctica in 1974, where he was scheduled to start his training as a Navy diver. Virginia attended Tulane University of Social Work, the New York School, and Syracuse University of Social Work. She worked in that profession in San Diego, New Orleans, New York City and more recently in Utica, where she retired from Utica Psychiatric Hospital Outpatient Services in 1983. Mrs. Seely was of the Christian faith and a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Utica. After retiring, she worked with Reading Volunteers in Seymour and General Herkimer Schools. Survivors include her nephew, Bill Lewis and his wife, Pam, of Remsen, and some very good and dear friends. Gina was grateful to the special people who enabled her to remain at home. Because of the support of Natalie Gough, Aranka Williams and Ed and JoAnne Cookingham, she was able to enjoy the beauty of her yard while sitting comfortably in her chair. A concert will be held to celebrate Virginias life at the North Gage Presbyterian Church with Harp and Harmony on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. Interment will take place privately at North Gage Cemetery and there are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport. Anyone in need of transportation to the service on Wednesday may contact the funeral home at 845-8532. Online tributes at: www.autenrithfuneral.com

Published in The Observer-Dispatch on 11/2/2009



Virginia L. Seely, 90, of Smith Hill Road, Utica, N.Y., died Nov. 1, 2009 at her residence.

Mrs. Seely was born Jan. 11, 1919 in St. Louis, the daughter of the late Russell and Mary (Teener) Lewis.

About four years later, they moved to Lee's Summit, her father's family's home for some generations.

She grew up there, then went to Highland, Kan., to live with her Aunt Lillian Overlander to attend Highland Junior College. She then moved with her family to California and graduated from San Diego State College in 1940. That same year, she was united in marriage with Gordon Seely in La Jolla, Calif. In 1950, they came to Utica when he joined Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company.

Their son, Patrick, died at the age of 20 in a tragic accident one year after the death of his father. Patrick had just completed a tour of duty with the Seabees in Antarctica in 1974, where he was scheduled to start his training as a Navy diver.

Virginia attended Tulane University of Social Work, the New York School and Syracuse University of Social Work. She worked in that profession in San Diego, New Orleans, New York City and more recently in Utica, where she retired from Utica Psychiatric Hospital Outpatient Services in 1983. Mrs. Seely was of the Christian faith and a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Utica. After retiring, she worked with Reading Volunteers in Seymour and General Herkimer Schools.

Survivors include her nephew, Bill Lewis and his wife, Pam, Remsen, N.Y.; and some very good and dear friends.

A concert will be held to celebrate Virginia's life at the North Gage Presbyterian Church, Deerfield, N.Y. with Harp and Harmony at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. Interment will take place privately at North Gage Cemetery and there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport, N.Y.

Online tributes may be left at www.autenrithfuneral.com.

Published in the Lee's Summit Journal (MO) - November 3, 2009

[Wife of great-great-grandson of SGS # 2454- Gordon F.; Warren Francis; Fred; Seymour Alvord; Seymour Alvord(#2454); Zadoc (#905); Zadoc; Justus; John; Benjamin; Nathaniel; Robert]