Catherine Anne (Riemer) “Kate” Seeley, born July 31, 1922, died peacefully at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca, New York on March 6, 2016.

The daughter of the late Mary (Smith) and Joseph G. Riemer, Kate grew up in New York City with her three brothers, Joseph G. Riemer Jr., Bernard P. Riemer and Richard A. Riemer Sr. (all now deceased).

Kate graduated from Julia Richman High School in Manhattan in 1939. She continued her education at Hunter College, receiving her bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1943. She worked at Bell Telephone Laboratories in New York and then General Foods in Hoboken, New Jersey as an analytical chemist during the years 1943 -1951. She met her future husband, Arthur Seeley, on a cruise ship and the two were married in 1952 and moved upstate to Dewitt, New York. She worked at Bristol Laboratories in Syracuse before taking time off to raise her son, Bob.

Kate later returned to school and completed her master of library science degree from Syracuse University in 1969. She worked at SUNY Upstate Medical Library in Syracuse as a reference librarian and coordinator of online services from 1969 to 1985. Kate was instrumental in the emerging area of mainframe online database searches (predating the Internet). She was a lecturer in the field of information science, and served on many local and national committees. In 1981, Kate was the recipient of the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship. She retired from her position at Upstate in 1985, receiving the title of Associate Librarian Emeritus.

In 1986, Kate and Arthur moved to Boothbay Harbor, where they first vacationed as newlyweds and built their dream home. Here they enjoyed many wonderful years of retirement, while spending the winter months down on Hutchinson Island, Florida. During the first few years in Maine, Kate continued collaborating with former colleagues and contributing to database publications. Kate become active in community work at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle, where she helped in fundraising and served as president of the Monday Club. In 2003, shortly after the death of Arthur, Kate moved to the Ithaca area to be closer to Bob.

Kate loved books, especially biographies and cookbooks. She never missed reading the New York Times on Sundays, and faithfully listened to the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts on Saturdays. Classical music was usually playing in the kitchen while she prepared amazing gourmet meals. There were always cookies and fruitcakes soaked in rum during Christmas, and specially prepared treats for her four-legged friends, Spot and Maggie. She enjoyed family get-togethers on Long Island, summer vacations on Capitol Island, Maine, camping trips to Canoe Point in the Thousand Islands and Lake George in the Adirondacks. For many years, Kate and Arthur enjoyed spending weekends on their boat in Alexandria Bay on the Saint Lawrence River.

Kate was a strong, independent-minded woman with a dry sense of humor, sharp wit and the ‘Riemer’ family smile. Kate also had a very kind heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to her extended family at Bridges, whose care, compassion, and friendship, sprinkled with a lively dose of humor, was indispensible during these past few years.

Kate was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Arthur Seeley on February 22, 2002.

She is survived by her son, Robert D. Seeley and her daughter-in-law, Maren Herman of Newfield, New York. Kate is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and their families.

As per her wishes and in lieu of a formal service, we ask that you raise a glass of your finest to Catherine Riemer Seeley – may she rest in peace.

Donations in Kate’s memory may be sent to: Lincoln Home, 22 River Road, Newcastle, ME 04553; or Bridges’ Nursing Scholarship Fund, c/o Cathy Paddock, Bridges Cornell Heights, 407 Wyckoff Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family.