Rita Ann Seaney's Obituary
Mrs. Rita Ann Seaney (Wilson,) age 85, passed away unexpectedly at her home on October 15, 2020. Rita was born January 18, 1935 in Muskegon, to Charles and Alta Wilson. She lived her entire life in Dalton Township, attending Baker School, and later graduating from North Muskegon High School. The home she and her husband raised their daughters in was built on the same land that her father farmed when she was growing up. Rita did not like to stray too far from home.
Rita was a mom and homemaker until her youngest child left home, and then, at the age of 50, she went to work at Howmet Corporation in Whitehall. She worked there until she retired, well into her 70’s. It was always a good day when she would happen upon a fellow Howmet retiree in the aisles of Meijer - she loved to reminisce. It was an even better day when she got to spend it with family. She doted on her grandkids, and loved nothing better than having the kids and grandkids home, feeding and entertaining them with her tales of the good ol’ days. When Rita was young, she was an avid sewer. She started as a young mom making clothes for her daughters’ Barbie dolls. She went on to make clothing for the girls, and then when they married, she fashioned their wedding gowns, as well as the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Rita married James Seaney on February 28, 1953. They were married for 66 years before he preceded her in death in August of 2019. She was also preceded in death by her seven sisters and four brothers. She is survived by her three daughters, Sally Reagan (Brian,) Susan Andree (Ted,) and Shelly Schuitema (Dennis,) her eight grandchildren, Joseph Reagan, Casey Reagan, James Lowder, Julie Lowder (Jeff,) William Lowder (Amanda,) Alison Schuitema-Burns (Jamie,) Caroline Schuitema-Wack (Thomas,) and Emily Schuitema (fiancé Zac Pawloski.) She is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place, with private burial to take place at Oakland Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 24th, from 3-5, at the VFW Don Rea Post #8846, 1061 Witham Road, North Muskegon, MI. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions are suggested to Kids’ Food Basket.
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