Mary B. Seed

Mary (Watson) Seed, 92, a longtime resident of Salem, NH and Methuen, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 at Nevins Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre, Methuen, after a short illness. She was the wife of the late Douglas A. Seed, who died in December 1995. Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania on May 31, 1915, she was the youngest of seven children born to George and Effie (Roth) Watson. Mary attended McKeesport schools and in 1937 graduated cum laude from Pennsylvania College for Women in Pittsburgh. At the age of 22 she moved to Lawrence to work as director of adult clubs at the Lawrence YWCA, beginning what would become a lifelong love affair with New England and the people of the Merrimack Valley. During World War II, Mary was employed by the Lawrence Red Cross as assistant home service director, providing services to families of local soldiers. After her marriage in 1944, she moved to Salem, NH where she and her husband owned White Bridge Inn and later White Bridge Kitchen Candies, eventually opening additional shops in York, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, Maine. For several years in the 1960's and '70's she also assisted her husband in managing The Birches Motel and Trailer Park in Salem. Her greatest pleasure, however, was the 27 years she later spent operating Gateway Travel with her husband and daughter, conducting day trips by van throughout New England for local seniors. Mary finally retired at the age of 88 and learned to play bridge at the age of 89. Known for her kindness, sense of humor and curiosity about life, she never missed a chance to help a friend or stranger, try a new restaurant, check out a new construction site, or watch the Red Sox, Meet the Press and Saturday Night Live. A 50-plus-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Methuen, she was a former president of the church's Women's Society of Christian Service and past president of Greater Lawrence Church Women United. She was also a former member of the board of directors of the Lawrence YWCA and the International Institute of Lawrence. Mary is survived by her daughter, Katherine Khalife, of Methuen; her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas W. and Anne (Butterfield) Seed of Salem, NH; her grandson and his wife, Douglas B. and Kristin Higgins) Seed, also of Salem; several nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends. All are richer for having known her. Donations in Mary's memory may be made to Elder Services of theMerrimack Valley, 360 Merrimack Street, Building 5, Lawrence, MA 01843.