Barbara Cynthia Seddon

On March 2, 2023, surrounded by her family, our beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Barbara Cynthia Seddon, 91, of Gainesville FL, went, like a Monarch butterfly ascending to the sky, to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Cynthia (as she preferred to be known), was one of ten children. She was born in 1931 in Liverpool, England to Archibald and Frances Hughes. In 1951 she married her husband Ernest, a Baptist pastor, in a union that would flourish for over 71 years. After serving churches in Leicester (where their son Andrew was born) and Bradford (birthplace of daughter Judith) they emigrated to America and lived in various states including New York, Maryland, West Virginia, and Montana; also New Brunswick, Canada; and finally Florida.

After raising her children, Cynthia worked as a physical therapy aide, in a nursing home, in retail, and as a deacon at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Billings, Montana, a ministry that she found very fulfilling. After moving to Gainesville, Florida and joining Holy Faith Catholic Church, she embraced a new niche as a lector.

Unfailingly active, she enjoyed her daily “foraging” trips to local stores. She had attended art school and painted in the mediums of watercolor and acrylics, depicting cheerful scenes of the English countryside, family pets, and animals. She kept her mind sharp by doing crosswords, and writing humorous poems. She always had time for walking her beloved rescue puggle, Bryn, and taking care of her family, especially when her great-grandchildren Madeleine and Theodore arrived.

Our dogs adored her and gleefully partook of the wide variety of treats with which she would spoil them.

Always up for an adventure, hiking the Grand Canyon in her 50s was a highlight, as were trips to England and Scotland, France, the Caribbean, Mexico, and national parks including Banff, Yellowstone, and Glacier. She was not averse to roughing it in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana and Wyoming, or – at age 90, kayaking for the first time in Florida, even though she didn’t know how to swim! Seeing the many turtles and marveling at a manatee made it memorable. The sea always called to her, and she loved going to the beach.

She was our English rose, who was proud of her heritage and never lost her accent, and who was interested in anything to do with the royal family. Ancient parish churches and cathedrals nourished her soul, especially when they were filled with the great hymns of the faith.

She delighted in the Monarch butterflies that danced in her garden, and the birds and squirrels that came to her feeders.

She attended grandson David’s choir concerts with great pride, and to the delight of her great-grandchildren always had some fun little toys. When family members were pursuing their careers she created delicious meals ready-to-go to help them out. She was proud of their accomplishments and was an enthusiastic proponent of their professional abilities.

She was truly the heart and soul of our family, and her loss leaves a hole that can never be filled. We will miss her sunny personality, her love and tenderness, her devotion to God and family – and excellent cooking, especially her unmatched roast potatoes!

She had a heart overflowing with concern for animals, especially those in peril, from a German Shepherd with severe pneumonia to aquarium fish. She gave freely of her gifts of kindness and love.

Andrew and daughter-in-law Olivia will always cherish the immense support that Olivia was given during the worst, most disappointing, and most heartbreaking time of her life by this kind and affectionate lady who wrote so many cards, even on the last day of her life! She did everything she could to be helpful. She leaves behind a treasure chest full of memories which demonstrate her generosity, compassion, and love.

We are comforted in knowing that she is now in the loving care of our Great Redeemer, until that glorious day when we shall be reunited for all eternity. We are so appreciative that Fr. Jose and Fr. Mike came at a moment’s notice to anoint her with oil and administer the last rites.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Ernest of Gainesville FL, son Andrew (Olivia) of Gainesville, daughter Judith (Jim) of Darby, MT, grandson David (Constance) and great-grandchildren Madeleine and Theodore of Tampa, and her brother David (Doreen) of Liverpool, and various nieces and nephews in England, and many friends.

#OdeToMyMother

My mother was a lady...not a woman... but a lady of integrity, strength, practicality,  devotion and love...not a passive or insipid love...but a love that shone through her every action and word. With a single look she could stop an argument...and her arms were always open to embrace and enfold this black sheep of the family.

She never backed away from a confrontation but always spoke the Truth of Christ...not a watered down version to spare someone's feelings...but the pure, hard Truth.  Although she was a very private person, she exemplified true Christ-like hospitality.

Mom never succumbed to the dispersions or the despair the adversary cast about, but always believed that Christ would be victorious in every situation.  She was supportive of dad's ministry and kept him grounded in the mundane aspects of life.

No matter how tired or exhausted she was, mom could never sleep until she knew that we were all safe.  Without her I would not be the person that I am today.  She was my best friend...my mentor...and my confidante.   My life and heart have a hole in them that won't be filled until we are together again. Mom... words cannot adequately express the love and admiration I have for you. 

Mom, I praise and thank the Lord for the Holy Wisdom He imparted to me through you...for all the lessons you taught me...for being a true example of a Godly,  Holy Spirit filled warrior for the Lord...for living as a New Testament Christian is supposed to--victoriously in Christ. Your no nonsense...no excuses...take responsibility for your actions...think about all the possible consequences attitude tempered with Christ's Word and love shall continue on through me.

Good bye for now Rev. B. Cynthia Seddon.  You are with the Heavenly Host praising God and basking in His presence.  Your earthly race was well run...and the Lord was merciful in the way you went home to Him.  I will continue on as you taught me...but shall pray to join you soon.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and love...for Your assurance of forgiveness...for taking mom Home to Heaven in a swift and painless way.  Thank You for Your peace and calm that replace my earthly grieving...for I know that my mother is safe in You.  Turn my tears of sorrow to tears of rejoicing as mom is now free from pain and sorrow...and in Your presence.
Amen