Mae’s warmth, generosity of spirit, and love of people was apparent to anyone who met her. She was a remarkable person who connected with others in a magical way. A master conversationalist, she could talk to just about anybody about just about anything... and others loved to talk with her. Mae’s quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge were awe inspiring. A lover of the arts, a tiller of the earth, the consummate hostess with an open door and culinary skills both natural and acquired, her contributions to our world were immeasurable. If she didn't engender your love, she at least would elicit your respect.

Born in Mt. Carmel, a town in Pennsylvania's coal mining region, as the daughter of loving parents - Ralph Menapace and Verna Hudock Menapace - Mae grew up with three brothers, William, Stephen and Ralph. Life revolved around the family bakery business, and activities with dozens of Menapace and Hudock aunts, uncles, and cousins. The strong devotion to family was something that Mae carried throughout her life.

Mae left Mt. Carmel to attend Barnard College on an academic scholarship. After college, Mae went into teaching where her students benefited from her enthusiasm and intelligence and her desire to learn and share knowledge. Living in New York in the fifties, Mae enjoyed the excitement of city life as a single woman. But fate had something else in store for this extraordinary woman. On a blind date arranged by her brother, Mae met Dave and within three dates Dave proposed. Married in 1955, Mae and Dave joined their lives for a half a century of love and mutual respect. The ways the two complimented each other was clear to all who knew them. Throughout the years Mae’s support helped Dave in his many efforts to reform public education. And Mae’s sense of justice and her fighting spirit made her a partner in many of these great struggles.

As years marched forward, Mae marched happily forward into motherhood. She had five children -- Nathaniel, Sarah, Anne, Mary and Louise -- who benefited from having a mother whose love, support, intelligence, and independent spirit allowed them to flourish. People often stopped by the Seeley home, coming from far and wide to join the clan at the kitchen table, for a cup of coffee or more likely a wonderful dinner with the family. Meals were always accompanied with fascinating discussion -- the topic could be related to history, politics, science, word origin, community activities, or a review of the latest book or film.

But Mae was much more than a wife and mother. She was a community activist, a supporter of the arts, and a great socializer in the true sense of the word. Mae brought people together, both in her home and in public functions. In her professional life, as the head of High Rock and the Staten Island and Garibaldi Museums, Mae’s organizational skills and common sense made her an excellent administrator. Mae also brought her boundless energy, diplomatic skills and creativity to the many causes in which she participated.

Mae's extraordinary life was rewarded by a beautiful death. She died peacefully in her own bed, in her home of forty years, surrounded by her family. She was sad to leave all of us, and we are incredibly sad to lose her, but she was ready. Her love and spirit help us to continue to celebrate life - something she did every day.