BOWNE, Margaret Jane SEINITZ 1936 - 2012

BOWNE, SEINITZ, ROSCOE, GERAS, KASBEER, MURBACH, SWEITZER, STUCKEY

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/6/2012 at 13:29:00

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Friday, June 1, 2012
Page 10

Martha Jane SEINITZ BOWNE

Martha Jane SEINITZ BOWNE, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, was born August 20, 1936 in Ottumwa, IA, to Jane ROSCOE BOWNE and Benjamin BOWNE. She passed peacefully on March 5, 2012 in Frankfort, MI.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Jerome SEINITZ; children: David (Miki) GERAS of Denver, CO, Laura (William) KASBEER of Lake Forest, IL, Linda (John) MURBACH and Cindy GERAS of Libertyville, IL; siblings, Mary Ann (Daniel) SWEITZER, Petty (Wes) STUCKEY and John (Katie) BOWNE and numerous grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Martha loved growing up on the family farm near Ottumwa, IA, and caring for her prize-winning Angus Steers. She was also active in the 4H Club. She won numerous awards for her steer at the Iowa County and State Fairs and Chicago International Livestock Exposition. Martha enjoyed playing the piano, the church organ, and was active in various music groups throughout her education career.

Martha graduated from Northwestern University, School of Education, in 1958, where she was president of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and director of the WaMu musical production. Upon graduation, she taught 6th grade in Lincolnwood and Kenilworth, IL, before marrying Robert GERAS, whom she met at Northwestern.

Martha and Robert moved to Northbrook, IL in 1966, where they raised their four children. She married her second husband, Jerome SEINITZ, in 1974 and they continued to live in the Chicago suburbs before moving to Frankfort, MI in 1995.

Martha and Jerry loved the pristine terrain and simplified lifestyle of northwest lower Michigan. She worked at the First Congregational Church in Benzonia, and law offices of Miles Gerberding in Frankfort, MI.

Martha stayed active at St. Philips Episcopal Church, Beulah, MI where she served on the vestry, wrote the monthly newsletter and taught Sunday school. She was also active in the women's auxiliary at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, and a member of the EY chapter of PEO.

Throughout her life, Martha loved playing Bridge, gardening and was an avid reader. She and Jerry also enjoyed visiting family across the country and spent as much time as possible with her beautiful grandchildren. Martha touched many lives throughout her years and will truly be missed by all.

"Once upon a yesterday - You kissed my little hurts away. My source of comfort, strength and pride - You were always by my side. My feelings for you are like no other - With all my heart, I love you Mother! D. Morgan (1989)" (Note: Paragraph in italics which cannot be rendered here.)

Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 23, 2012 at St. Philips Episcopal Church, Beulah, MI. IN lieu of flowers, donations may be amde in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Ste 800, Chicago, IL 60631. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Frankfort & Banzonia. www.jowettfamilyfuneralhome.com

Copied with permission from The Fairfield Ledger, Inc.
*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.