Obituary of Seely Sumpf

Seely Sumpf, 87, of Santa Cruz, CA, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, October 22, 2014 of congestive heart failure. Her husband of 61 years was there by her side. Born March 4, 1927 in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Clifford W. Snyder and the former Ruth Seely. Seely was a 1945 graduate of the Jersey Shore High School, the Williamsport Dickinson Junior College (now Lycoming College) in 1947, the Pennsylvania State University in 1949. She earned her Master's in Library Science from Western Reserve University (now Case Western Reserve University) in 1950. Seely's first employment was as a librarian at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Then she went to the Atlanta Public Library, followed by the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida where she met her husband-to-be. After her marriage in 1953, Seely worked as a librarian in several libraries as duty stations changed or as her husband was deployed. These included Providence Public Library, Dickinson Junior College and the University of Santa Clara. When she returned to the NAS Pensacola Library in 1962, Seely researched and wrote the biographies for the first ten Naval Aviators. Their pictures along with the biographies were put on display at the first small Naval Aviation Museum. The City of Watsonville Public Library was Seely's last and happiest employment, as she loved serving the patrons. She started there in 1967 as a Children's Librarian and Research Librarian, eventually becoming the Library Director. Seely worked with the Library Architect, the Library Consultant, Building Contractor and the City Council to replace the old Carnegie Library. She retired in 1987. Upon retirement, Seely enjoyed her time reading, collecting more books, flower gardening, being at home, as well as taking road trips in the USA. Seely is survived by her husband of 61 years Edward C. Sumpf, and her second cousins; Karis Kellander, Ken Bierly and Mead Bierly. A memorial service for Seely Sumpf will take place at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street Santa Cruz, CA. 95062, on Friday, November 14th, 2014, beginning at 3:30pm, there will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers any kind acts of charity in honor of Seely can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Santa Cruz; 1777 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 464-9982 and/or Valley Churches United Missions; 9400 State Route 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 Phone:(831) 336-8258. If you would like to leave any condolences for the family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com