Marie Rita Seidel
October 12, 1920 ~ October 15, 2020
Marie "Rita" Seidel, 100, of Scarborough, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 15th, 2020.
She was born to the late Rosiare and Delvina Dorval, October 12, 1920, in Lewiston, Maine. Rita graduated from Portland High School in 1938 and earned an Associate's degree in 1940.
Rita was a strong and resilient woman. Despite the difficulties of losing her mother Delvina, sister Loretta and father, Rosiare by the age of 12, she persevered and went on to live a beautiful life. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Yvonne and Hollis Jones in Portland, Maine. After attaining her Associates degree, she worked at Children's Hospital in Portland. This is where she met her future husband, John Henry Seidel "Harry". He instantly fell in love with her "beautiful smile."
Rita married the late Dr. John H. Seidel in 1947. They lived together in Falmouth, Maine for 30 years before relocating to Scarborough. Rita is survived by her sisters Barbara J. Naughton and Jackie Smith, and her three children: Dr. John C. Seidel and wife Patricia, of Scituate, MA; Anne Marie Owens and husband Craig, of Denmark, ME; and Barbara Keene and husband David, of Gorham, ME. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. Rita was predeceased by her sister Loretta Dorval, Yvonne "mom" Jones, Hollis "pop" Jones, brother Warren Jones, her loving husband John H. Seidel, and beloved granddaughter Christin Seidel.
Rita was a woman with impeccable style, beauty, and grace. She is remembered for her humor, whit, loving presence, and incredible enthusiasm for life. She enjoyed playing golf at the Portland Country Club and at Hideaway Country Club on Marco Island. She loved playing tennis and skiing with her family at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Rita's favorite times were spent boating on Casco Bay and relaxing on Pine Point Beach with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. And of course, no beach day would be complete without cocktail hour; a glass of champagne, cheese and crackers and a clamcake from Ken's.
The family wishes to thank Seal Rock in Saco, ME. Specifically, Dr. Ari Berman, Jen, and Tasha, for their dedication and compassionate care. Rita celebrated her 100th birthday, October 12th, 2020, and Seal Rock helped make it special for her and all of the family. Also, thank you to Beacon Hospice, Laura and Brett, for their loving care in the last days of Rita's amazing life.
Due to the pandemic there will be a private family ceremony. A celebration of an amazing life lived will be held in the future. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Rita's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
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Anne Marie and Barbara, I am sorry to learn about the passing of your mother. Her picture reminds me of all of the fun we enjoyed together in North Conway as kids. I hope you enjoy many great memories of her with family and friends in the days and weeks to come. Bob
– Bob Dunfey
Aunt Rita is frozen in my mind at around age 50. Caring, fun, a little bit of mischief in her and exuding grace.
– Bill Melaugh
I have so many memories from sitting on the beach hearing words of wisdom from Rita to making sure she had that tomato plant with grape tomatoes every June for her to pick later in the summer. She would bake us blueberry muffins and enjoyed every visit. Most of our conversation she would want to hear all about you. That was her gift. Most of all, she was about family. Always wanting to be near her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ann Marie and Barbara, you and John were everything to her. Your care of her in these last years was more than anyone could give to a parent. Wishing you all love at this difficult time See you on the beach
– Beth Messler
Janyce and I are blessed to have had the opportunity to meet this marvelous women and her family when we traveled to Scarborough to meet our youngest daughter’s fiances family. The love and reverence in which she was held by all family members became quickly evident as she and her husband, “Harry”, served as the focal points to the family’s annual lobster feed, and again, a few years later at their oldest granddaughters wedding. She will be forever remembered for her vibrant and charming personality. Our condolences to the family. Alex and Janyce Babigian
– Alex and Janyce Babigian
Rita was a good friend to my mother, Florence Davitt , in Pine Point. They shared many laughs while sitting on the beach. My condolences to John, Ann Marie, and Barbara, and to the rest of her beautiful family. Ann Davitt
– ann Davitt
Please accept my condolences at the loss of Rita. I remember her as a beautiful, charming and humorous lady. Share and laugh about your memories! Sincerely, Catharine Fox
– Catharine Fox
With our deepest sympathy and love
– Dave and Liz McHugh
My childhood memories just went on overdrive.I loved your Mom and Dad.They were so warm and welcoming to all your friends.100 years old, what a tribute for a grand lady.My best wish’s to the whole family.I’m sure you have so many great memories that will comfort you during this difficult time.Your mom was one great lady. Artie Batson Art Batson
– Art Batson