Sept. 2, 1928 — Dec. 23, 2014

Janet Lucille Seaman, 86, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 at her home in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Janet was born in Michigan on Sept. 2, 1928, the daughter of Stuart

Tallman and Fredericka (Martin) Byam. She married Allen Seaman on Aug. 5,

1950. He preceded Janet in death in February, 2007.

Janet Seaman was a creative spirit who enthusiastically embraced life and encouraged others to live into their potential.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s in journalism in 1949, and earned a Master’s in Education in 1970. She taught 22 years at every elementary grade level while getting her own six children launched. Janet taught art to hundreds of children both in school and through after school programs. She had a particular passion for teaching math and thought that might be her lasting contribution to kids’ lives. She often served as a mentor and resource for young teachers.

Janet combined her artistic talents with love of history in two monumental mural projects documenting the histories of Niles, Michigan, and Bolton Landing, New York. Janet considered everything she did as an opportunity to engage others and recruited students and community members to assist with these projects. The Niles mural was 1/18th of mile long and took five years to complete. Both projects required extensive research of local historical resources.

As a creative force deeply engaged in the life of her community, Janet designed countless posters, program covers, banners, note cards and other fundraising items for community events. In collaboration with husband Al, she designed sets for community theater and several parade floats for participation in regional festivals. She wrote and adapted numerous plays and books for children, including Once Upon a River: A Children’s History of Niles, as well as a coloring book based on the Niles mural project. Asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said: “Janet had many loves. She loved God and her family. She loved many people she connected with in her busy life. She loved teaching-both in school and those she met outside of school. She loved the beauty of our country and its history. She loved creative projects (in art and writing in particular). And through it all, she loved Al, her husband of 56 years.”

Surviving are: Children: Martha (Diana) Seaman, Scottsdale, Arizona, Mary (John)

Gannon, Del Ray Beach, Florida, Allen Seaman, Boca Raton, FL, Barbara (Jon)

Werner, Whitewater, Wisconsin, Robert (Eriko) Seaman, Whitewater, Wisconsin, and John Seaman, Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Kate, Christine, Erik, Christopher, Hans, Noelle, Abbie, Emily, and Tiffnay, Great-grandchildren; Christian and Claire, and Brother: Peter (Joanne) Byam, Waverly, New Zealand. Janet is also survived by many dear friends, including Marty, Joyce, Martha and Catherine Malin whose friendship has been as close as family for over 40 years.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Allen.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at the

Crosspointe Community Church, 445 N. Warner Road, Whitewater, Wisconsin with Pastor

Russ Walker officiating. Memorials may be made to fund a scholarship for

art education to be set up by the family.

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin is assisted the family,

www.nitardyfuneralhome.com