Donna Seaman
Donna J. Seaman, age 76, of Shelby, died Friday, July 19, 2013 at the Crestwood Care Center.
She was born August 14, 1936 in Cleveland, Ohio the daughter of the late Lester J. and Pearl (Wilson) Heinz. Donna was a graduate of Willoughby High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University. She continued her education with a Master’s in Education from the University of Akron. Donna began her career teaching special education at Newhope in Mansfield and at Shelby Jr. High. She went on to Mansfield City Schools where she was a special education supervisor followed by principal at both Hedges Elementary and Sherman Elementary Schools. She retired from Shelby City Schools where she was principal at Central Elementary School.
Donna enjoyed traveling with her husband Dean, reading, and dining out and her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.
Donna is survived by her husband: Dean Seaman whom she wed in 1979; her children: Joyce Malainy (John Wagner) of Johnstown, OH, Mark S. (Karen) Malainy of Canton, MI; Step children: Becky Seaman of Shiloh, Lanny (Angie) Seaman of Shiloh, and Melanie Seaman of Mansfield; 4 grandsons: Vincent Malainy, Lance Seaman, Tyler Seaman, Logan Seaman; a great grandson: Christopher Seaman; sister-in-law: June Heinz. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers: Lester Heinz and Milton Heinz.
A life celebration will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2013 from 2-4 PM at the Shelby Senior and Community Center. Care provided by Turner Funeral Home. To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit penwellturner.com
Although I never had the privilege of working directly with Donna at Central, I respected her as an educator and a person. It was obvious that she cared deeply for students, parents and teachers. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa (Plocher) Clabaugh
Donna was one of my homebound patrons at Marvin Memorial Library. I really enjoyed getting books for her. She was one of my first homebound patrons. She will definitely be missed. You and your family have my deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Krystofik
Marvin Memorial Library
My greatest of all aunts!! I am going to miss her smile, her beautiful bright eyes that glowed when she looked at the ones she loved, her touch, her voice, and the countless ways she guided, encouraged, and loved me. I am so glad I was able to spend time with her a few weeks ago and tell her all these things and talk about all the memories. My first trip to Disney World was with her, she held my hand when my Grandma died, she was a part of my childhood Christmases, Thanksgivings, camping trips, pool parties, family picnics, and the list goes on. Family meant the world to her and she made sure we knew it! I learned to french braid in her living room on my cousin Joyce’s hair. I would brush her hair for what seemed like hours… I never wanted to stop because she enjoyed it so much! I learned to swim and dive in her pool. I experienced my first tornado at her house on Grand Blvd.during one of my many summer vacations with her. My childhood wouldn’t have been so wonderful without the experiences she offered me. She was the giver of unconditional love and her time. Then, she held my newborn babies and was like another Grandma to them. She would read to them, get down on the floor with them, and I remember her and Dean making clay people with them on their most recent trip to visit us in Flower Mound, a few years ago. I give her much of the credit for the woman I am today. I always wanted to make her proud. She was taken from us way too soon:-( My heart goes out to the entire family! May all the wonderful memories comfort you!
I am so sorry to hear about Donna’s death. It was always a pleasure to work with Donna when she was principal at Central School and I was still working in the Treasurer’s Office. The last time we saw her & Dean was here at Toft’s Dairy for ice cream. Please know you are all in my prayers and have my deepest sympathy.
I met Donna when she was principal at Central and I was the DARE officer. We later became neighbors. Super nice lady and terrific neighbor, sorry for the families loss.
The family of Bernard Marx wouldl like to express their sincere condolences to the Seaman familuy.. Donna hired me as crossing guard at Central Sc;hool in Shelby. I later did subbing for special education children under her leadership. Donna will be missed by all the staff she worked with. She was a great tribute to the education sysstem.
Bernie andr Sandy Marx
Mark, Karen and Vincent,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We are certain the fond memories you have of her will never fade. Her legacy will live on for generations.
-Mike and Jenny Malainy