Dianne Louise Seiler's Obituary
Dianne Louise Seiler, beloved wife and mother, passed away on October 17, 2021 after a long and determined battle with muscular dystrophy.
The daughter of Herbert Edgar Smith and Margaret Anna (Stoffle) Smith, she was born on June 16, 1935 in Hanover PA, and grew up in Manchester MD with a goat named Billy and a dog named Mike. In addition to being an excellent student, she showed an early aptitude for music and studied piano for many years. In 1953, she graduated
from Manchester High School, where she enjoyed recognition for her athletic skills in hockey and basketball, regularly shared her musical talents in voice and piano, and was voted "Best Dancer" by her classmates.
Her passion for music led her to become a highly successful private piano teacher for more than 50 years during which time she taught over 200 students, many of whom studied with her for years. In addition, she was a music teacher at Camp Springs Christian School in Camp Springs MD, and at Grace Brethren Christian School in Temple
Hills MD. She was church organist and choir director at Providence United Methodist Church in Friendly MD for more than 25 years and served as organist for Christ Lutheran Church in Seaford DE for 13 years. Music was clearly her passion, but she also enjoyed gardening and cooking. She was a talented seamstress, as several beautifully
dressed brides could attest.
She married the love of her life, Robert Seiler, on March 25, 1962 at St. John's Methodist Church in Hampstead MD. They traveled much of the world together, seeing Canada, Europe and many of the 50 US states, of which Hawaii was her favorite. The couple eventually moved to Seaford DE, where they opened and operated Nanticoke
House, a charming bed and breakfast located on the Nanticoke River where she also hosted piano recitals and piano guild events.
She was a member of the National Music Teachers Association and the National Piano Guild, as well as the Gideons, the Chinese Overseas Christian Mission, and Atlanta Road Alliance Church of Seaford DE.
She loved God. She loved her family. She enjoyed birdwatching, detested poor grammar, and her favorite color was anything pastel. She ate seafood at every opportunity and thought soft-shelled crabs should be available year-round.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Seiler; their children: Laurie A. & Rick Rapa of Woodstock, GA); Wendie K. and Jim Zeller of Indianapolis, IN; Dana M. and Wendy Seiler of Salisbury, MD; and Deborah L. Seiler of Manchester MD; and a sister, Darlene Wilder, of Gaither MD. A son, Steven W. Seiler, and a sister, June Worrall, preceded her in death. She is survived as well by ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at Atlanta Road Alliance Church, 22625 Atlanta Rd., Seaford, DE 19973. Interment will be in Manchester MD beside the final resting place of her son Steven W. Seiler.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to MDA Compassion Inc. in keeping with Dianne's wishes.
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