Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 9/27/2005

Mary H. Seago

April 20, 1928 -- Sept. 25, 2005

Mary Helen Seago, 77, of South Bend, passed away after a long battle with lupus in Saint Joseph Hospital on Sunday, Sept. 25, surrounded by her family.

She was born in South Bend on April 20, 1928, to Camielle and Mary (Nan) Claeys, who preceded her in death.

She married Louie Seago on May 7, 1949, who survives. Also surviving are her two sons, Mike Seago, Mike's fiancée, Jaque Rettig, and Lou (Jan) Seago; three grandchildren, Chris (Katie) Seago, Matt (Molly) Seago and Julie (Aaron) Shaw; and three great-grandchildren, Mary Grace Seago, Conner Seago and Maria Julianna Shaw.

Mary graduated from Washington High School and soon after went to work for Associates of South Bend. In 1952 Louie and Mary started Louie Seago Plumbing and Heating which later became Louie Seago and Sons, Inc., the family remodeling business. She was a vital factor in keeping the business going. She was secretary-treasurer until April 1990 when she retired, but was still a silent partner in helping the business flourish, but not a silent voice.

In a world where some people are concerned about their own well-being and satisfaction, Mary (nickname "Rabbit") stood apart from that way of thinking.

She was a strong woman who tried to make every day seem like a holiday for her family. She wore many hats including problem solver, cook, referee, wife, counselor, taxi service, caretaker, traveling companion and shopper extraordinare. She brought much happiness to all of us. She miraculously survived lupus since her early 20s, always putting herself second and adding a new dimension to the word "love."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation or to the St. Joseph Church Building Fund of South Bend.

Visitation will be today from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. in the McGann Funeral Home.