Mary (Donahoo) Seina
April 25, 1942 – June 7, 2022
SERVICES RESCHEDULED
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, June 22nd at 10:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St, Omaha, 68132. Private Burial, Forest Lawn. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Mary’s memory can be made to Lauritzen Gardens. To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
Mary Donahoo Seina, beloved mother, wife, and friend, a leader of her generation, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 7, 2022.
Born April 25, 1942, Mary was the pride and joy of her parents Kenneth Mitchell Donahoo and Nelsie Topp Donahoo. Mary attended Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart where she met friends who remained close her entire life.
Mary was married to the love of her life, Tony, on December 6, 1961. Their two children, A.D. and Mimi, have been a constant source of love. By her example, Mary showed how much she loved her family, her friends, and her community. She did so with a quiet dignity – always interested in others. If you knew Mary, you will always remember the special way she called you “honey” in her signature and unforgettable style.
An enthusiastic and brilliant businesswoman, Mary (together with Tony) was the proud co-owner of Topp’s of Omaha, a highly successful and touted women’s clothing shop, for many years. Mary adored her Topp’s family and fabulous customers. She was in her element when on buying trips as a courtier for the Aksarben Ball. She built so many meaningful relationships during these years and treasured them.
Mary’s faith was very important to her, and she served as a eucharist minister. She loved to travel and explored the world with Tony and her family. Mary was an avid volunteer in the Omaha community, serving on many committees and boards.
Mary co-founded the Lauritzen Gardens Antiques Show with her dear friend, Kimball Lauritzen. The show is currently in its 19th year, and her passion and love for the garden and the show still shine each year. She was invested in all aspects of the show, always devoted to ensuring another successful year. Oh, how she loved the dealers! She took such an interest in each of them and truly cherished and appreciated their travels to Omaha. It was her delight to make them feel welcome in the most wonderful way possible.
Mary loved decorating and entertaining, and her elegant personal style and inherently great taste were evident in everything she did. She was a tastemaker and trendsetter before those terms were popular. She was the original influencer! Her luncheons, parties, and her Christmas Tea were the talk of the town – original, charming, and magazine-worthy – setting the example for generations of women and young girls.
Her favorite group to host was her family for Sunday night dinners. She loved her family so very much. Mary will be desperately missed by so many, but it is heartwarming to know she is with Tony again.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents Nelsie and Ken Donahoo and her beloved husband Tony Seina. She is survived by her children Anthony D. Seina, Mimi Post (Jeff), grandchildren Siena Nelsie Gleason, Terrence Anthony Gleason, Mia McCoon Seina, and Anthony Joseph Seina.
4 Comments
Rest in peace dear Mary. I will always remember hearing her calling me honey in that very special voice almost as if she was singing it. My thoughts and prayers to the family. She’s now on a great journey.
So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. A dear friend for many years. Loved her elegant dinner parties at her desert home. She will be dearly missed just as we miss Tony. Very graciously recieved myself and my grandson during a tennis tournament in Omaha. Some day, we will all reunight.
AD and Mimi, besides my own parents and grandparents, your mom and dad were the first adults I ever knew. We had so many great adventures and whether it was in Omaha by the pool, in California or in Glenwood by the lake, Mary was always “fabulous!” And, of course, she always looked amazing, dressed to the nines. She could put on a catered event for 10 or 100 at the snap of a finger, but what she really did right was make the damn pasta sauce with the sausages and the pork chops! I can taste it now! Mary’s kind of style doesn’t exist much any more, I’m sure glad I got to experience it first hand. To the best God mother ever, Adieu, rest well and give the best God father ever a big hug for me!
I’m sorry for your loss. I only met Mary once but it was a beloved meeting. She will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Mary.
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