Wilma Louise (Seeley) Lemcool took her box of chocolates to heaven with the help of Munson Hospice House on Sunday, January 14, 2024: she passed with loved ones by her side after a heart attack. At 97 she said that she had had a great ride and was ready to go see her Dad. Born November 26, 1926, on her Grandparents farm, interrupting her Mother’s Thanksgiving dinner, Wilma lived her entire life in Traverse City.

Wilma’s parents Leone L. (Lannin) Seeley (school teacher) and Clayton Kelly Seeley (Captain of an Ore Carrier on the Great Lakes) raised her to enjoy all that life has to give. While she was growing up piano, accordion, Hawaiian guitar, and dance lessons kept her busy, when she wasn’t reading. She graduated from Traverse City Senior High in 1945, then Central Michigan College in 1949 with a B.S. in Education. She started teaching downstate in Muskegon Heights for two years then back to Traverse City as a member of the TCAPS elementary school family: she greatly enjoyed working with children and putting on the Christmas programs. She was instrumental in helping to start the Traverse City Reading Department where she worked instructing both teachers and children for fifteen years: Wilma retired in 1983.

On July 15, 1950 she married Carl Anthony Lemcool with whom she shared 66 years exploring the United States, trips to Europe, and enjoying the cottage on Long Lake. She loved music and taught piano lessons after they were first married to buy a spinet piano. Wilma was deeply invested in our community and her life included giving her time and talents with her family, friends, and the many groups and organizations in which she was involved. She loved to travel, read, and enjoyed spending time with family. Her wonderful laugh, sense of humor, and that sparkle in her eyes make her part of many cherished memories.

She was Past Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge (Odd Fellows). President and other offices of Daisy Chain (Lifetime member Elks) where she received Daisy of the Year 1976. Treasurer of Quota Club for many years and received Quotarian of the Year Award 1995 and the Katheryn Homan distinguished Quotarian Award. Wilma was a current member of Delta Kappa Gamma having served as President, Treasurer, and Music Chairman. She worked many positions in the Munson Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer for over fifteen years. Wilma was also very active as a Cherry Festival Ambassador working in many different areas of the festival.

Wilma is survived by her daughter Mary (Brian) Bush, grandchildren Douglas Lemcool (Lex), Adam Bush, Amy (William) Dyson, great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Katherine, and Johnathan Bush, sister Phylis Bozeman of Texas, sister-inlaw Marcia Seeley, and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl, son Michael, and brother Kenneth Seeley.

Funeral services will be held for her at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation from 5-7 on Friday, February 23rd and Saturday, February 24th from 10-11: a memorial service will begin at 11am. A luncheon will follow upstairs at Reynolds-Jonkhoff with graveside service at 2pm at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Munson Hospice House, 450 Brook St, Traverse City, MI 49684. Please eat a piece of chocolate and share your thoughts and memories with her family at www. reynolds-jonkhoff.com.