Emily Sehy

Loving, kind and generous could only vaguely describe Emily Sehy because she was that and so much more. A remarkable woman who simply loved loving, she was a source of strength for her children and a good hearted woman to those who knew and loved her. Sadly missed, she will always remain a special part of all that is within the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The flapper and the Roaring 20's redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry reached new heights. The discovery of penicillin forever changed the field of medicine and legendary baseball players set astounding records on the ball fields. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Otis and Vianna (Tapping) Dolph of Kalamazoo, Michigan took place on July 13 that year when they were blessed with the birth of their little girl, Emily.

Emily was the third of four children in the Dolph household. She joined her older brothers, Al and Don, and later welcomed her little brother, Ray into their fold. As the only daughter, her brothers always maintained just how spoiled rotten she was, but they loved her just the same! While her father worked in manufacturing, Emily's mother worked outside the home to make ends meet with her job at the paper mill, but eventually retired from Checker Motors.

As a young girl Emily loved to dance. Quite often she could be found at the local armory dances with a few of her friends where she had the greatest of times. She also enjoyed taking in a good movie at the local theater, too. A friend to many, Emily was an outgoing gal and did well in her studies. She attended Kalamazoo Central High School before being hired by the Kalamazoo Paper Company.

Life as Emily knew it forever changed while attending a local carnival where she met a handsome, well mannered young man named Floyd Sehy. Smitten from the start, there was an undeniable attraction between the two as they shared conversation and got to know one another. He liked this little brunette, and with much in common, they soon began dating. Unfortunately, the onset of World War II forced unwelcome goodbyes when Floyd was drafted and sent overseas. Although the war separated them for a time, their fondness for each other grew ever stronger through the many letters exchanged during this time. Following his honorable discharge, Emily and Floyd took up where they left off. Deeply in love, they soon became engaged and were happily united in marriage the following spring on March 13, 1948.

Emily continued working until after she married and when she became a full time homemaker and expectant mother. Truly blessed, Emily was a loving mother to her six wonderful children. Linda, Floyd Jr., Nancy, Mike, Bruce and Karen filled her heart with joy. Together Emily and Floyd created a loving home filled with unconditional love and affection. Mother and friend, she not only sent her kids out to play, but joined right along with them. She also loved playing board games with her children and carried on the tradition with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Emily would have made a great bookie because she was always covering bets during football and baseball games with with her grandsons and great-grandsons!

Sunday drives were always a family favorite where memorable times were shared. After gathering some bologna and cheese, they loaded the kids up in the car for their drive to the Allegan State game area where the children played to their heart's content. As a family they also enjoyed camping, especially times gathered around the campfire where special times were enjoyed. As their children grew and had families of their own, Memorial Day weekends camping out on their property became a beloved tradition.

A good cook, too, Emily knew how to really stretch her grocery budget to feed her growing family. Every Friday, fish or pancakes were served at her table, and hamburgers on Saturdays. Sundays included her delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes and scrumptious homemade biscuits. Her potato salad was the best, and she did her share of canning over the years as well.

There were many things Emily filled her time with. Although her most treasured times were spent surrounded by those she loved, she also found time for her penchant for bingo. She liked bowling and continued to love dancing, of which she and Floyd thoroughly enjoyed together, and was always up for a trip to the casino. When the daily paper arrived, Emily was quick to check mention of anyone she might know and collected the paper clippings of those she did. In fact, she had eight scrapbooks full to show for it full of the many things she collected.

When it came to music, Emily preferred the sounds of old country and western, and the song, "Charlie's Shoes" was a cherished favorite between Emily and Floyd. With faith as her guide, Emily truly lived and loved life to the fullest. Faithful and devout members of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Floyd and Emily were a loving example of dedication and devotion. Passion, love and inner beauty would clearly describe Emily. Like that of her favorite color, red, she could be bold and passionate about the things she believed in and for those she loved. With her kind and generous heart, others were drawn to her compassionate and nonjudgmental ways, and everyone that met Emily came to love her. Even the nurses and doctors at the Cancer Center had a special place in their heart for their, "Auntie Em".

Even as Emily's health declined, she remained strong. She was blessed to have spent her last day surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. While she lay resting, her kids played some of her favorite music and when, “Has Anybody Seen My Gal” began playing, Emily began moving her lips in sync to the music and gentle swayed with fond memories flowing back in time.

Emily Sehy, at the age of 83, of Vicksburg, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011. She is survived by her six children: Linda (Bill) Mohney, Floyd (Deb) Sehy Jr., Nancy (Ray) Baughan and Mike (Paula) Sehy, all of Vicksburg, Bruce Sehy of Scotts, Karen (Lee) Coville of Vicksburg; 26 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her three brothers: Al, Don and Ray.

The Sehy family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-5 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 25, 2011, 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours. Burial in Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Emily’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite memory, photo and to sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. For those who wish, contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.