Obituary of Miriam R. Seidman

Miriam R. Seidman died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 16th, at Mercy Hospice, Iowa City, surrounded by her family. Miriam was born July 20, 1918, Bronx, NY, the middle daughter of Louis and Jenny Rosen. In 1937 she married Bernard Seidman, and they had two children. Following a divorce, in 1950, Miriam moved to Miami Beach, FL, with the two children. She was a single parent working and managing doctor's clinics of Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Allergy and Gastroenterology. She also worked for the Peace Corp, in Washington, DC, for 3 years. Miriam was well traveled throughout Europe and passionate about museums, art, history and diverse cultures. She was a kind, caring, loyal friend, and served others. After retirement, she volunteered reading to inner city children at the public library, editing papers for students at Barry College and reading books for the Lighthouse of the Blind in Miami, FL. Miriam was an avid sculptor and returned to college to study art creating models in clay and other media. Her pieces are enjoyed in homes of family and friends, in addition to having some of her work being on display in a museum in Israeli, and The Coralville Children's Museum. In 2002, she moved to Iowa City to be closer to family. Miriam frequented the Iowa City Public Library and read a book a day until age 96. She was a fierce scrabble competitor, and played bridge weekly at the Senior Center. Her favorite lunch outing was dining at the Bread Garden. Miriam will be dearly missed by her daughter, Fran Nielsen (Dave) Iowa City; her sister, Myrtle Gorhing, Anchorage, AK; 6 grandchildren, Chris Nielsen (Kathy) Edina, MN, Kim Eppen (Brian) Iowa City, Tom Nielsen (Michelle) Wausau, WI, Jeff Nielsen, Iowa City, Marnie Seidman and Marc Seidman, Phoenix, AZ; 6 great grandchildren, Zach Nielsen (Laura) Edina, MN, Emily, Sarah, and Kate Nielsen, Edina MN, Tommy and Josiah Nielsen, Wausau, WI; 1 great, great grandson, Leo Nielsen, Edina, MN, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Miriam was preceded in death by her parents, her older sister, Sylvia Sherman, and her son, Joseph Seidman. Our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation go out to Miriam's doctor's, Dr Rodney Zitler, Dr Chris Scott, Dr Mark Mysnyk, and Dr Brett Overton. We also thank all of the Mercy Hospital nurses and therapists in the ER, Orthopedic and Skilled Care units for serving her with compassion, skill and loving kindness. Mercy Hospital Hospice facilities and nursing staff was the greatest gift for our family. Your compassionate care and support gave us the strength and endurance to be by her side, and help us get through our most difficult hours. Sincere gratitude also goes to our pastors, Steve Rachke and Doug Schillinger, who visited and continuously prayed for Miriam and our family. You helped us walk by faith and not by sight, and peace prevailed for us all. There will be a celebration of Miriam's life on Friday, February 27th at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Parkview E Free Church, with a reception to follow in the Atrium. In memory of Miriam, donations may be made to Mercy Hospital, Hospice Inpatient Care: Mercy Hospital Foundation at (319) 358-2622 or www.mercyiowacity.org.