[b]Sarah Berry 'Sally' Seidman remember as 'consummate mom,' instrumental in bringing 'La Grande Vitesse' to Grand Rapids
Print Email Jim Harger | jharger@mlive.com By Jim Harger | jharger@mlive.com Follow on Twitter on November 23, 2009 at 6:29 PM, updated November 23, 2009 at 6:31 PM[/b] Sarah Berry "Sally" Seidman was a leader in West Michigan society and art circles until the mid-1970s, when she and her husband, L. William "Bill" Seidman, moved to Washington, D.C., to join President Ford's administration.
But she also was the "consummate mom," said her daughter, Carrie Seidman.
"She did things like make individual Valentine's Day cookies for our school with each of our classmates' names on them," Carrie Seidman said. "She raised six kids, all of whom took many of the things she did for us as our own when we became parents."
Mrs. Seidman, 85, died in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sunday. Her husband of 65 years died in May.
Before moving to Washington, the Seidmans lived in Ada, where Mrs. Seidman was active in the arts. She was a member of the Grand Rapids Junior League, served as president of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and served for 13 years on Forest Hills' Board of Education.
Mrs. Seidman also was instrumental in bringing Alexander Calder's iconic stabile, "La Grande Vitesse," to Grand Rapids in the late 1960s.
"That was a special piece, and he was a special artist to them," said Carrie Seidman, recalling that her parents visited Calder's home and studio in France while the sculpture was being planned.
Mrs. Seidman remained active in the arts after the move to Washington. She acted as a docent for the Hirschhorn Museum and later became a board member at the Corcoran Museum.
Mrs. Seidman suffered a disabling stroke 13 years ago that made it difficult for her to communicate, said Tom Seidman, her eldest son.
Born in Chicago, Mrs. Seidman was raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School. She later attended the University of Michigan.
In recent years, the Seidmans divided their time between New Mexico, Nantucket, Mass., and Bradenton, Fla.
In addition to her six children, Mrs. Seidman is survived by her brother, Hammond Berry, of Rockford; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A private memorial service is planned.
hi Nunos50 wow I like paradigm. I like how it is so solid and yet fragile - like every good paradigm. I would travel to see that! thanks for the picture. best wishes :)
