Emily F. Seesel

Emily F. Seesel

Born January 2, 1926 in Nashville, TN. Died November 1, 2014 in St, Paul, of complications of a stroke. Preceded in death by her beloved husband H. James “Jim” Seesel, Jr., her parents Ralph and Lucille Fensterwald, and sister Elaine Fensterwald Perlman. Survived by her children John (Joanne Grossman), Ellen, and Richard (Michele); six grandchildren Benjamin (Holly), Rebecca, James (Lauren), Dana, Lauren and Sarah; one great-grandson Samuel; and nephew Thomas Perlman.

Emily moved to St. Paul in 1947 after her graduation from Wellesley College and her wedding soon after. She became part of the fabric of Jim’s family and her new community. She devoted many years to raising three children while serving as an active leader in local nonprofits like the Junior League and the Hallie Q. Brown House.

Emily graduated from William Mitchell College of Law (first in her class) at age 50, then clerked for a year at the state Supreme Court. She practiced family law for over 20 years. Meanwhile she volunteered for several organizations, including the boards of St. Paul Academy and William Mitchell. Her generosity helped other causes, from food banks to education to animal shelters to social justice. Into her eighties she worked as a arbitrator and volunteered to teach English as a second language at the Neighborhood House.

Emily loved the arts and travel, seeing the world with Jim and attending many concerts and plays. She never lost her zest for the latest restaurant, the newest movie or the hottest gadget, but she took the greatest pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was a strong-minded, caring , passionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be enormously missed by her children, family and everyone she touched.

Funeral service 1 pm TUESDAY November 4th at MOUNT ZION TEMPLE, 1300 Summit Ave., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mitzvah Food Shelf, 1300 Summit Ave., St Paul 55105, Planned Parenthood, 671 Vandalia St. # 323, St. Paul 55108 Animal Humane Society, 1115 Beulah Lane, St. Paul 55108 or the donor’s choice.

The family will be receiving friends Tuesday evening 6-8 at Mount Zion Temple.