Norma Jean Seaman

Norma Seaman, a devoted servant of faith, family, and community, died on June 4 at the age of 93 at Otterbein Senior Life Center.

She was born on March 17, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky. At the age of 12, she experienced a spiritual awakening that she described as a realization of redemption. By 15, she felt called to missionary service, originally intending to serve in Africa. At 16, Norma met Alan Seaman, her lifelong husband. They were married two years later and built a life of service (Alan as an agriculturist and minister). By her mid-twenties, Norma was the mother of three children while simultaneously pursuing her nursing education. Her determination led her to later complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in gerontology and sociology, and eventually earning her nursing home administrator’s license.

In 1963, the Seamans answered the call to missionary work in Pakistan, where their fourth child was born. During this time, Norma served the community by running a clinic from the front porch of their home. After returning to the United States in 1973, the family first settled in Ithaca, New York, and later in Ohio. Norma continued her work in nursing, in various specialties.

In 1986, Norma and Alan returned to missionary life, serving in Nigeria for four years. Upon returning, Norma resumed her work in nursing and later served as the manager of Mission Manor in Dayton. She found particular fulfillment in her role as a diaconal minister at Grace United Methodist Church in Washington Court House, where she served for ten years. In 2007, they moved to Otterbein, where Norma remained actively engaged in both social and religious life.

Norma’s life was marked by tireless acts of kindness and creativity. She lovingly dressed thousands of second-hand teddy bears and dolls to donate to orphanages in Russia, as well as to nursing homes, home health patients, and hospices. At Otterbein, she created and decorated over one hundred small Christmas trees annually with handmade ornaments to share with residents and others—a tradition that continues in her honor. Her greatest legacy and testament was her unwavering dedication to serving the Lord and extending compassionate care and charity to people of various faiths and cultures.

Norma is survived by her daughters, Ruth (Les) Freeman of Willseyville, NY, and Miriam (Aleks) Walter of Chico, CA; and son, Paul (Cathy) Seaman of Santa Rosa, CA. She also has one grandson, F. Christopher (Ashley) Mullins of Orland, CA; two great- granddaughters, Charlotte and Kate; and her sister, Etta May (Larry) Branstetter of Louisville, KY. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Alan, and daughter, Martha.

Memorial donations are requested to International Rescue Committee https://www.rescue.org/how-to-help?form=donate&ms=ws_resq_top_nav_btn_fy26_q2_mmus_feb&initialms=ws_resq_top_nav_btn_fy26_q2_mmus_feb#main-content or to Tompkins County, NY SPCA.https://www.spcaonline.com/gifts. 

Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon.