Lontime Capac educator known for her love of family and friends
CAPAC — Those who knew Helen Seidell knew what she was all about – family, friends and love for her young students.
Seidell, 97, passed away Wednesday, March 22, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and caring for those she came in contact with.
According to her obituary, Seidell was a 1943 graduate of Capac High School. She was later employed by the district as an elementary teacher, giving three decades of service to the district before her retirement.
Capac Superintendent Jeff Terpenning said the district lost a great educator and an even better friend.
“Any time you lose one of your own, it’s a sad day,” Terpenning reflected. “She was one of the great ones and the family name is well established in the community. She will be greatly missed.”
The superintendent, in his sixth year with the district, said, “We were saddened to hear the news of her passing. She served the children of Capac, and the district as a whole, very well and we great appreciate her dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”
Seidell taught second grade at Capac for 30 years, after earning degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Oakland University.
Helen was very active in her community, having been raised in Memphis and Capac, after her birth in October of 1925.
She was an avid reader, enjoyed being involved in family and community activities and was her children’s biggest supporter, no matter the activity.
In her free time, Helen enjoyed a round of golf, playing cards with friends or family and entertaining those around her.
She is survived by two daughters, Mary Sue Markey of Midland and Kay Ellen of Mancelona, along with a son Jim, of Brown City. She was also very proud of her many grandchildren and great-grand children.
Services for Helen were held in Capac on Tuesday. The family has suggested any memorials be made to the Capac Friends of the Library or to the Brown City Foundation for Educational Excellence.
