Juanita Mae Seid

ONTONAGON, Mich. — Juanita Mae Seid passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2024, after a long illness.

Juanita was born on Dec. 28, 1935, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to John and Mildred (Roehm) Brown. She attended Ontonagon Township Schools and graduated in 1953. She lived a full and loving life for 88 years.

At the age of 20, on April 21, 1956, she married Theodore Seid, the love of her life. They made their home in Rockland and were together for 65 years until Ted’s passing in 2021. With quiet pride, Juanita often remarked, “same spouse, same house.” Together, they raised their three children, Trudi Ann, David Andrew and Mary Ellen.

Juanita worked for the Ontonagon County Sheriff Department as a desk deputy clerk, matron and was made a special deputy on a number of occasions. She then worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections, Parole/Probation office as a secretary, retiring in 1997.

Juanita’s most prized roles in life were that of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and homemaker. She loved spending time with her family. Whether it was working on a project like baking or canning, or just visiting, she particularly cherished those activities and memories.

Juanita was known for her kind and caring spirit. Her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews often went to Juanita for advice. She never actually gave the advice, but rather, talked through the situation with her loved one until they came to the right conclusion. In addition to homemaking, Juanita enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, word searches and jigsaw puzzles in later years.

Faith was at the core of Juanita’s being. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and volunteered in many capacities, including in the St. Mary’s Altar Society and by doing typing and bookkeeping for the parish, as well as serving as a lector for many years. She was also a member of the American Legion, Milton G. Preiss Post 92 Auxiliary.

Juanita is survived by her daughters, Trudi (Jeff) Lemieux, and Mary (Guy) Kitzman; her daughter-in-law, Karen (Bob) Juntunen; her brother, J. Kelly Brown; and her sister-in-law, Carol Seid. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Achaia Kitzman, Chad Kitzman, Stephanie Britz, Kenneth (Lauren) Seid, Emily (Josh) Yaklyvich, Zach (Aleiah) Seid, Andy (Janie) Lemieux, and Adam (Brittanie) Lemieux; as well as by her 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Gregory Seid; her parents, John and Mildred; her son, David; her son-in-law, Steve Britz; and her great-grandson, Theo Lemieux. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Ione Smydra, Ouida Bressette and Maryann Brown; as well as by her brothers, William Brown, Dwight “Sonny” Brown and Bradly Brown.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 1 at St. Mary’s Church in Rockland with visitation at 10 a.m. and the funeral at 11 a.m. Internment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Rockland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Juanita to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.