Jacqueline Smith Seiden

Jacqueline Smith Seiden, age 92, died on June 21, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Mel Seiden, her husband of 65 years. Jacqueline Smith was born on June 16, 1926 in Bedford, Indiana. Jackie was two years old when her father, Howard Smith, died from tuberculosis contracted during his service in WW I. Her mother remarried George Kirby, and when Jackie was nine the family moved to Davenport, Iowa where George was appointed manager of the local JC Penny store. After high school Jackie attended the all-girls school at Monticello College in Godfrey, Illinois and received her Associate's Degree. To her parents' surprise, she left the countryside for the University of Chicago and earned a Master's Degree in English Literature. While there she met her lifelong partner, Mel, with whom she shared a wonderful and adventuresome life steeped in academia, travel, culture and politics, all the while sharing these experiences with her four children and helping them to become better informed citizens and instilling in them a strong sense of joy and promise. Mom was a great listener. She never failed to laugh at a silly joke or story,always taking great pleasure in anything her children had to tell her, no matter how trivial. She was always there for her family offering calm guidance and good advice and serving as the emotional rock during difficult times. Mom was resolute and upbeat. She was stoic about her own circumstances even though she spent many years of her life affected by stroke. Mom was a voracious reader, an avid tennis player and fan, and she loved tending to her incredible garden and enjoying time with her many friends. We will treasure the happy years we had with her and she will be greatly missed.    She is survived by her children: Reed (Nellie) of Richmond, California, Emily (Neil) Rose of Vestal, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Holzman of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Daniel (Sandra) Seiden of Binghamton, six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.    The family extends its deepest gratitude and well wishes to those caretakers who assisted Jackie at her home: Tonia, Jackie, Felicia, Marsha, Susan and others. Many thanks also to Dr. Steven Spivak for his compassionate care and his friendship.    At Jackie's request there will be no services. A private gathering will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Garabed Fattal Community Free Clinic, c/o Clinical Campus, 425 Robinson Street, Binghamton, New York 13901. To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the DeMunn Funeral Home.