Carol Elaine Seelman

West Leyden- Carol Elaine Seelman, 79, of West Leyden, NY, passed away on March 24 after a brief illness. Carol was born in Rome, NY on March 12, 1939 to Sylvester and Thelma Ackerman Nellenback. She lived a lifetime of learning, receiving her GED as a young adult and later achieving her Masters degree from Loyola University. She enjoyed helping on the farm and was actively involved in advocating for fair milk prices during the 1980's, working for News America Marketing and being a homemaker. On October 22, 1955, Carol was united in marriage with Ervin W. Seelman, at St. Marys Nativity Church, West Leyden. In 1958, the couple purchased the former Nellenback farm on the Fish Creek Road, which they operated for many years. Mr. Seelman an Army veteran of WWII, dairy farmer and retiree of Revere Copper & Brass of Rome, passed away on June 12, 2005. Mrs. Seelman was a long time, very active member of St. Marys Nativity Church, West Leyden, where she served as church organist for many years, leading the choir and the church school program, a lector and a member of the Kings Crafters, a church and community outreach group. She was also an Eucharistic Minister and found joy in serving God. For the last few years she enjoyed working the elections and interacting with the community. She enjoyed spending her Sundays with her family; her sister Katherine, nieces and nephew, Angel Lint, Theresa and Kelly Ireland-Pratt, Ryder, Katie and Lucille Pratt and Alexis Lint. Her last days were spent with family and full of love and happiness celebrating her birthday and watching her great granddaughter Lilly and great niece Lucy begin their lifelong friendship. Carol is survived by her sons, Ervin Seelman and life partner Gloria Coffin of Lee Center; Robert Seelman, of West Leyden; William Seelman and son-in-law Scott Gobrick of Locust Grove, VA, and a step daughter, Bonnie Patterson of Watertown. Also surviving are grandchildren Melissa &Faye Starman, son Jake; Ervin "EJ" Seelman; Jason & Jessica Seelman, children MacKenzie, Megan, Matthew and Miles; Corinda Cormier, daughters Guinevere and Ariel; Erica & John Sawyer, children Lillian, Brendan and Collin; Pamela Hardy and children Carol, Dillion, Peyton and Connor, Danielle & Heath Flike, children Skyler, Dylan and Hailey; and Joseph Seelman, children, Julianna, Carson, Hailey, Caralee and Marianna. Also surviving are Carols siblings Leon & Carol Nellenback, Linthicum, MD; Edmund & Bette Nellenback, Remsen; Katherine Pratt, Lee Center; Richard & Patricia Nellenback, Rome; Barry & Lorna Nellenback, Linthicum, MD and Mary Nellenback, Gouverneur; sister-in-law Irene "Nikki" Camardo and brother-in-law Lyle Seelman. She also has many nieces and nephews and friends that were more like family. She was predeceased by brothers Cecil Nellenback and Charles Nellenback. Carols family wishes to extend a sincere note of gratitude to the Employees of Stewarts Shops, Stokes Corners, who assisted her and the nurses and doctors at Upstate University Hospital, for the excellent care which she received. Visitation hours will be Wednesday, March 28, from 3-7 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial, will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Marys Nativity Church, West Leyden, where Rev. Lawrence Marullo, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Fish Creek. Carol had a great affection for animals and her feline friends; memorial contributions may be made to The Lewis County Humane Society, P.O. Box 682, Lowville, NY 13367, or to The Stevens Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St. Utica, NY 13502. For an on-line message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com