In loving memory of
Corine Seward
February 18, 1924 - November 5, 2021
Corine Doris (Nelson) Seward, age 97, of Quincy, died on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 5:05 p.m. in Good Samaritan Home.
Corine Doris was born at home on February 18, 1924 near Loraine, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Basil and Susie Elizabeth (Barker) Nelson. Corine Doris left for Heaven's gate from Good Samaritan Home of Quincy on November 5, 2021 surrounded by family.
Corine graduated from La Prairie High School in 1941. She met Otis Ray Seward at a Lorraine's Odd Fellows dance and they married on March 31, 1944 in Quincy at Vermont Street Methodist Church. Otis Ray preceded her in death on January 30, 1989.
Corine believed in the importance of family throughout her life. She was a devoted spouse, mother, and aunt. Grandchildren and their families were welcomed with joy and embraced, especially greatgrandchildren. She was most delighted by those who called her GG.
Corine's support, guidance, and dedication to raising her sons was beyond measure. They shared attending church, meals, work, and visits with extended kin, especially jam-packed, frequent, weekend visits to both grandparents' farms topped off by big family meals. Her devotion expressed via involvement in school activities and as a Den Mother shepherding them through Cub Scout program, which put them on the trail to earning the Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts of America. She taught Sunday school at Grace Church trying to corral them along with other rowdy kids, all the while teaching us the importance of spirituality. She was a constant presence at school, church, and home providing support. Most important she was a good listener no matter what our questions or comments were. This is not to say that she was shy about expressing her opinions, especially when it came to politics. She even occasionally displayed her self-described "quick Irish" temper but like a spring rain shower it did not last long.
Besides raising her sons and being a homemaker, Corine worked as a baker for the Quincy Board of Education mostly at Berrian Elementary School for 14 years before retiring. She became an Olympic champion making one elixir of life's relationships - Cookies! These mighty morsels were shared at holidays, savored as a cap to a great meal, baked by the dozen especially before Christmas, and distributed as care packages. Besides being delicious, they expressed her love and helped maintain relationships. When talking about Grandma, her two grandsons' conversation usually included the "Greatest cookies in the World" designation. Her grandsons while growing up the shared several cookie ladened summers with her.
Over the years painting became a passionate pursuit. Corine's love of art started at a young age while sketching alongside her mother Susie. It was nurtured later by friends and instructors who shared that love. She started doing simple oil painting by numbers but soon started taking classes and became proficient first in oils then found watercolors, where she excelled. Her paintings were displayed in many venues and at art shows. Her painting of white lilies on a black background took first place at a Decatur Art Show and was featured on the cover of the program. She was a member of the Quincy Art Center (and served as a volunteer), the Great River Watercolor Society, and the 12th Street Artists. She approached her art with characteristic care, patience, and dedication. Despite her recognition, she was a rather modest artist but the paintings were real treasures, like her cookies, but longer lasting.
Playing cards was another activity where Corine excelled and shared with family and dearest friends. A great player and fierce competitor, she often won. Some fellow players accused her of wearing mirror earrings and even restoring to prayer to succeed.
Corine strong faith in God was bolstered through private devotion, Bible studies, and active memberships at Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Chapel, Centennial Ebenezer United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Union United Methodist Church.
Corine was always available to support her family and friends. She will be greatly missed but remembered in our hearts as being loving, thoughtful, and devout.
Corine is survived by two sons, Rudy Ray Seward of Denton, Texas, and Otis Russell (Barb Ann) Seward of Olympia Fields, Illinois; two grandchildren, Rudy Allyn (Victoria Mary) Seward of Lewisville, Texas, and Erik Russell (Margaret Caroline) Seward of Denton, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Colin Phillip Seward, Madeline Louise Seward, Flynn Michel Seward, Charlotte Mae Seward, and Alice Jean Seward; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and
nephews.
In addition to her husband, Corine Doris was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Opal Rhoda Shrader and Carlene Anna Wear, and five brothers, Herald Francis, Charles Arlo, Freddie Dean, Arthur Ertle, Carol Gene (Mike) Nelson and daughter-in-law Jean Ann Otte Seward.
Services: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, with Chaplain Josh Vahle officiating. Please bring a mask if you plan on attending the service.
Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Please bring a mask if you plan on attending the visitation.
Burial: Ebenezer Chapel Cemetery, northwest of Golden, Illinois.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donation in her memory may be made to Good Samaritan Home Foundation or Union United Methodist Church.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.