Winifred Kellberg Seley

This remarkable woman was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Where she spent many wonderful early years playing sports (mainly baseball) with her older brother Bob and the neighborhood kids. Her family also owned a small farm in Livermore, CA where they spent many summers and falls tending the various fruit trees.

Her parents divorced when she was fourteen which had a profound effect on her. She was determined to make sure when she married it would be forever. She married her college sweetheart, Jack Seley, in 1959 and they recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

As a youngster Win started violin and classical piano lessons, finally choosing to concentrate only on the piano. It remained a passion the rest of her life. Early in their married life Win taught piano and at one time had nineteen students while continuing her own musical education with college classes. She also found time to transcribe medical records and volunteer with hospital groups.

When daughter Mary Ann and son James Robert entered their life she chose to be a full time mom for a number of years, while also continuing her music education and study.

Win also proofread, edited and typed all of Jack’s papers for his masters degree program while still continuing her own studies in the music dept at the University of Wisconsin.

After the family moved to Reno, NV she began working for the federal government as a secretary, ultimately rising to the position of Branch Secretary.  After that she became an independent contractor proofreading for court reporters in the Reno area until she retired in 2019.

Wins love of music and the piano provided her with many wonderful opportunities. For a period time she worked with a retired opera singer who wanted her students to have voice lessons with live music. They became good friends and each learned a lot about the others craft. Win also provided accompaniment for a ballet studio and was involved in their annual performance of the Nutcracker Suite as well as performing on stage with the Sierra Nevada Choral Group.

After moving to Prineville, OR in 2006 Win developed many friendships with members of a card playing group. She was a substitute at first, but then became a regular player. She was also a PEO member and continued her involvement with music by playing the piano for her church, helping with Crook County School District music programs and the Prineville Follies.

Music was Win’s ministry and she would play at funerals and other special occasions. She partnered with Mary Demaris and together they performed many memorable piano & organ arrangements for the Presbyterian Church.

Her friends admired her selfless nature and her sweet, pleasant personality. She will be sorely missed and remembered as someone who rarely complained, but always worried about others.

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