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Toshi Seeger Obituary
Longtime family friend Thom Wolke confirmed that she died Tuesday night at the couple's home in Beacon in New York's Hudson Valley, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of New York City. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Never famous like her 94-year-old husband, friends say Toshi Seeger was an equal who perfectly complemented Pete Seeger's idealism.
"To understand Pete, you have to know Toshi," Wolke said. "They were the ultimate yin and yang. Where Pete was ... the artist, Toshi kept him grounded."
Toshi Aline Ohta Seeger was born in Germany to an American mother and a Japanese father and was brought to the United States as a baby. She met her future husband as a teenager in New York City when Pete Seeger performed at a square dance and he stayed after to dance.
Pete and Toshi Seeger were married July 20, 1943. The couple built their cabin in Beacon after World War II and have stayed on the high spot of land by the Hudson River ever since. The couple raised three children.
The singer recalls on the recently released spoken work CD "Pete Seeger: The Storm King" how his extraordinary wife raised their young family in the cabin initially without running water or electricity while he spent months on the road.
"I'd be away. She'd put one baby on her hip and the other tugging at her skirt and walk 150 yards down a steep slope into a ravine where there was a little brook of clear water and she got a pail and walked back with water to wash with and cook with," Seeger said.
Toshi Seeger was particularly active with the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an environmental group. Tao Rodriguez-Seeger said his grandmother was a pioneer in festival production who played a key role in Clearwater's annual festival.
"Without my grandmother, the re would be no Pete Seeger the way people understand it," Rodriguez-Seeger said. "That's not an exaggeration. She kept everything working so that he could focus on the world-saving, civil rights, anti-nukes, Clearwater - all of the projects that my grandfather worked on."
MICHAEL HILL, Associated Press
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
97 Entries
Patrick Wilkerson
June 16, 2014
If every generation had parents like the Seegers the world would be a better place. Thank you for everything you did in contributing to the fabric of America.
Peggy Wright
October 26, 2013
Dear Pete: For all the music of the soul your dear wife, Toshi, must have inspired, those of us who were touched by your music owe her thanks.
May God bless you and give you comfort at this time of great loss.
Peggy Wright
+Metropolitan Ephraem Bertolette
August 25, 2013
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is Maythe death of His saints."-Psalm 116:15. May Toshi rest in Peace.
How you can show support
Katie Smythe Newman
August 20, 2013
Love lives forever. Always in our hearts, our minds and our soul.
-- Katie Smythe Newman (Garrison, NY)
Debra Murphy
August 12, 2013
A soirit as kind and strong willed as Mrs.Seeger will reamin with all in the wind,the rain,the snow,in that beautiful sunset,and the trees that surrounded Her.
Linda
July 25, 2013
To the family of Toshi Seeger
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this
time of sorrow." Those who die God keeps in his memory because
they are precious in his eyes."(Psalms 116:15)
Dwayne Bickham
July 22, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Alan Cahn
July 21, 2013
Dear Pete Seeger,
Your wife contributed to your passion to bring inspirational and thoughtful melodies and words to many generations.
I still remember your singing at Buck's Rock Work Camp .
May her memory be for a blessing.
Don Miller
July 20, 2013
Dear Pete,
I've known you and your music since the mid-`50's, and shared much of your political outlook as well. I also remember spending evenings around campfires with you during the `50's at Camp Willoway in Harriman State Park, where you occasionally visited during the summer. It would not be a stretch at all to say that you've informed much of my outlook on life and helped me select important values.
My deepest compassion goes out to you and your family on the loss of your life-long companion, Toshi. From what I've read, she was your rock and your anchor, as well as your lover. I hope that you will find some comfort in the outpouring of love and caring that so many of us feel for you.
In peace,
pc rodriguez
July 20, 2013
Our sincerest condolences.
"He [God] has set a day in which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and he has furnished a guarantee to all men in that he has resurrected him from the dead." Acts 17:31
M Brings
July 20, 2013
Pete,
Peace be with you during this very sad time and always.
July 19, 2013
I grew up listening to Pete's music and would often think about how, because of the love he and Toshi share, that it must make him stronger and more determined to make a difference in this world. I don't know what it's like to have a life partner like that, and those that do, are so very, very lucky. She must have been an amazing person. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I have a bumper sticker on my car to nominate Pete for a Nobel Peace Prize and people stop me and say they agree. It would be as much Toshi's as Pete's, I believe.
Thank you, Toshi. I know you will be missed.
Charlie KNOLL
July 19, 2013
Dear Pete our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. The Knolls
Ray Watkins
July 18, 2013
Brother Seeger and Family... Thank you for sharing your wife and mother with the world. It is a better world today because of her contribution to humanity... Be blessed....
July 16, 2013
Will always remember Pete's kindness to our son during his scouting years. Pete,we mourn with you but pray the good Lord will give you the peace He has given Toshi. M.Simons (Arlington, NY)
Julia Foree
July 15, 2013
Dear Pete,
You are not alone. All the people you have touched in your career of music and activism, and in your personal life - we are all grieving with you for the light of your life. Even those of us who did not know her personally, know that she was a remarkable woman, and your North Star. We mourn with you for the loss, and celebrate with you the vision, voice, tenacity, and love that Toshi emanated to those around her and for which she will be long remembered. Thank you, Toshi, for making so much possible!
Joya Ellertson
July 15, 2013
I recently "met" Toshi via a documentary on Pete Seeger. What a remarkable lady to have stood by and followed the life that she was presented.
July 15, 2013
My heart goes out to you, Pete, and to your children, and all generations who are related to you and those who feel as if we are.
Leslie, Princeton NJ
Judy Fox
July 14, 2013
Immeasurable loss to Pete, their family, the world, and me personally. As our lives criss-crossed from The Woodstock Country School, to Clearwater, to Nicaragua, I have been shaped and touched by this humble, fair and determined woman/role model. My heart is with Pete, Mika, Danny and Tinya. Judy Fox, Chico CA
bridget place
July 14, 2013
sorry about your loss and my prayers go out to your family
michelle plakas-kaiser
July 13, 2013
rip
Catherine Argyros Crook
July 13, 2013
Her legacy is immeasurable...
richard eagan
July 13, 2013
Rip toshi. May you rest in peace. I known toshi my whole life, words can't say how I feel, I do know that she and my mom are together forever.love to all the seegers.
Anne Scheinberg
July 13, 2013
Condolences, she was a great lady, a powerhouse, a great contributor to Hudson Valley community-building and environmental health, and a role model to many of us who knew her when we were young women. I am far away on the other side of the ocean, but you are in my thoughts. Anne Scheinberg
MaryAnn Zeppetello
July 13, 2013
60 years strong. what a beautiful love story. Then world has lost a valiant fighter. As one in the Syracuse peace and social justice community shares I celebrate her life and mourn her loss. My sympathies to Pete and the family.
Danielle
July 13, 2013
So sorry for your loss! I remember when you and Toshi used to come in and buy meat at my grandfather's meat market (Frank's Meat Market).
Richard Isaacs
July 13, 2013
To everything there is a season.
bill lee
July 12, 2013
Thinking of you from your next door neighbors. Regrets we can't be there. See you in sept. R.I.P. toshi
michael sandford
July 12, 2013
my thoughts and prayers are with pete and his family at this time
H. Shuler
July 12, 2013
For Pete
Holly Shuler
July 12, 2013
Thinking of you both, hoping for love and blessings to keep you connected - there really is no separation, just a step somewhere else.
Karen and Dave Papo
July 12, 2013
Our condolences to Pete and your entire family.
July 12, 2013
July 12, 2013
Remembering Mr.Seeger and family with sympathy in the loss of your beloved wife and mother during this time of sorrow.
May your music live on...
S. Parris, Groton, NY
Denise Grant
July 12, 2013
My heart goes out to you all. Peace & Light be with you.
Carol & Jesse Harris
July 12, 2013
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. May the memories you all have shared help get you through this difficult time.
Kathleen Sandford Muthig
July 12, 2013
I first met Toshi when I was a rebellious teen back in 1977. I believe the Seegers were instrumental in helping me to become a responsible, tolerant adult. I loved Toshi and her no nonsense , common sense approach to life. She was a wonderful human being. My condolences to all of the extended Seeger family, and especially to dear Pete.
David Saks
July 12, 2013
Toshi, I'll never forget the beautiful day snacking on ice cream with you and Pete here in Memphis following the dedication of the Civil Rights Museum. I believe Tao was with you. May all of the love that embraces the universe be with you for eternity. -David-
July 12, 2013
Condolences to the Seeger family on this great loss. However, the country, especially the Hudson Valley, has benefitted by all she has done. Thank You. Beth
July 12, 2013
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. The days ahead will be difficult, but in the days to come
the peace and happiness that we hope for will be fulfilled on an earth wide scale. All living then on will receive
life forever on a paradise earth with all needs cared for. Isaiah 65:17, 21~23
~Celena Kaylee
Carolyn Thomas O'Daly
July 12, 2013
Mika, I remember your mom as being a remarkable woman more than 50 years ago...and she has led a remarkable, well lived life since then. Deepest sympathy to you, your dad and sibs.
Gerry (Skip) Willard
July 12, 2013
Bless you on your journey across the big river. St. Pete has you now and I'm sure you'll play a major role keeping heaven well organized. Thank you for all you have been down here.
Sincerely Skip Willard
Jose Perello
July 12, 2013
Peace and Love.
Duke Starr
July 12, 2013
Thank you for the life you lived and the love you brought with it.
DB
July 12, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5
Richard McHugh
July 12, 2013
We are praying for Toshi and the entire Seeger family at this time. She was a great resident of Beacon , the Hudson Valley, and the world. Peace!!!!!!!!!!
Lea Boatwright
July 12, 2013
Long live the memories brought about by this wonderful family. Sincerely, the "Boatwrights"
July 12, 2013
God bless ~ Rest in peace...
Katherine & Bill O'Hara
July 12, 2013
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Pete and family. We had the honor of meeting and working with Toshi and Pete when my husband organized a Hudson River music fest in Yonkers in 1975. She was a gracious and loving person. Heaven gained another angel today.
Christine Kelly
July 12, 2013
Dearest Toshi,
Pete's love for you - and all our love for you - lives on forever. May you rest always in God's eternal light. Love, Christine
norma sandford
July 12, 2013
our thoughts and prayers are with pete and family at this time.
Reed
July 12, 2013
May condolences to the Seeger family and friends.
Pat Olsen
July 12, 2013
Thank you dear Toshi for making the world a better place, you will be missed, fly with the angels sweet lady.
July 12, 2013
Toshi accomplished what we all hope to. She left the world a better place than she found it. My condolences to her family of which we are all a part.
Andy Cahill
Ladyedragonflye
July 12, 2013
Fare thee well, oh beautiful Ladye.
Wayne Beam
July 12, 2013
The music Toshi helped create and her support of Pete will live in hearts for as long as there are causes to fight and justic created for those in need.
Sandy Gray
July 12, 2013
Pete and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Susan and Tom
July 12, 2013
Toshi beautiful soul, thank you for your dedication to a more peaceful and cleaner world. We honor you. To the Seeger family, stay strong for your father.
Allison Howard-Pidoto
July 12, 2013
The kindness, creativity and grace you inspired will be eternal. Beautiful Soul, I will never forget you. Deepest sympathy and loving hugs to my Easter Road Family. Peace, Love and Light to The Seeger family and all. Always.
Bernadette Humphrey
July 12, 2013
THANK YOU! Thank you for being YOU!
Pearl Lance
July 12, 2013
Rest in Peace Toshi as you have led the fight for PEACE Here on earth.
Linda G
July 12, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Jim Lavelle
July 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy.
Colleen
July 12, 2013
....now I am yours and you are mine. Heartfelt sympathy to Pete and his family.
Rose Young-Stewart
July 11, 2013
You are not just a memory,
You live within Petes' heart
Your presence is always near him
Even though you're far apart. You were a wonderful wife and mother.
July 11, 2013
The world is so much better thanks to Toshi Seeger. She was a strong and capable woman.
Deepest sympathy for the family. Karen Koziol
July 11, 2013
Pete and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We were just talking about the time when we heard a noise and it was Toshi plowing our driveway...what a wonderful lady.She will be greatly missed by so many people. Bill and Sharon (Lepore) Lee
Ivy
July 11, 2013
God Bless You Sweet Soul.
J.W. (Bill) Halifko
July 11, 2013
We will miss you!
Rocco Rizzo
July 11, 2013
Sincerest condolences to the Seeger Family. Your loss is mourned by all. In loving memory of a wonderful woman. We will love you and miss you always and forever.
C. P
July 11, 2013
May the God who supplies all comfort support your family during this time of sorrow. We await the coming promise when "no resident will say I am sick." Isaiah 33.24
Robert Chapman
July 11, 2013
Nothing but Love for Toshi & Pete , true lovers of life...
Mary Meredith
July 11, 2013
My condolences to the Seeger family. God Bless you and may you RIP..............
marilee pittman
July 11, 2013
my deepest sympathy
July 11, 2013
for the Seeger family.
Ray Allen
July 11, 2013
Sympathy & kindest regards to the Seeger family, friends & admirers wherever they may be. I remember
Pete at the Obama inaugural at the Lincoln Memorial & so many other places. Lincoln would have approved. West Homestead, PA rings a bell; I knew the inside of USX, Braddock, PA & elsewhere. So many have had a special place in their hearts as long as they can remember. Will there be a day when hearing Pete doesn't give me goosebumps? Goes without saying.
God bless 1 & all.
Take care.
Carol Atwood
July 11, 2013
Pete, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Toshi. I had the opportunity to meet her in the 60's when I friend and I hiked up to your cabin in hopes of meeting you. As you were on the road we had a glorious time over tea with a most remarkable lady
Katherine Davis
July 11, 2013
I very saddened to hear that Toshi has left our world. Toshi had a big impact on my life. For me Toshi left a legacy of strength and endurance. An example of how to live life in values and ethics.
I listened to your music growing up and I heard of the stories of hardship the entire family endured. It was later in life when I began to wonder about the woman behind Pete Seeger. Toshi may not have been in spotlight and during that time you might have been the sole provider, Toshi was the soul provider for you, which enabled so many of us to hear your music. This is far too short for the example Toshi set and she set the bar pretty high up much like Pete Seeger. Both of you were bold and virtuous and both of you gave lived lives that are steady forthright and without compromising either ones integrity. There are few people who could leave such an impact and remove the earthly footprint.
I am heart broken by the world's loss.
My condolences to you, your family and those of us who try to live life with integrity such as yours.
July 11, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Toshi's many friends and family members - what a remarkable woman.
Candace Catlin Hall
Paula Ballan
July 11, 2013
Clear waters run deep; and all of us up and down stream of the Hudson owe a debt to Toshi. Condolences to the family you and Pete created both by birth and in the uncountable numbers touched by your grace and grit. We will carry on your work until it is our turn to join our voices with yours in the eternal Angel Band.
Angel Kujan-Mazzacone
July 11, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
July 11, 2013
It's the song about love between my brothers and my sisters, all over this land.
Sending love to Pete and family.
July 11, 2013
My sincerest thanks for all you and Toshi have done to make this world a better place for all. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Thomas Hofer
July 11, 2013
My condolences to Pete Seeger whom I greatly admire and whose activities I support. I know what it means to loose a life partner. May Toshi rest in peace now.
July 11, 2013
The TV Special on Pete Seeger's music & life, of course included his wife's dedication to 'keeping' the place chosen as home "home." Could so much have been contributed to a world-at-large sans Toshi's input of love for Pete,of caring views about society and a great familial love that sustained it all? A great team,their real love endured and through them, much contributed to the waterways,to awareness vis a vis justice,& civilization overall. We interviewed Pete, sang with him here on Shrewsbury River in Jersey and benefited from their both embracing CAUSES because he and SHE both cared to care. So, with thanks for a life well lived, Toshi Seeger! May her family's loss be equaled by the reality of what they had and find joy in that over time. Cheers Toshi!VH A GRATEFUL Jersey Girl
July 11, 2013
My deepest sympathy to all of the Seeger Family , She was such a giving and devoted person, not only to her family but to all of her causes. The world needs more people like her
Barbara Wright
July 11, 2013
I did not have the honor of ever meeting Toshi but I am sure she was a gentle spirit and lovely human being. The world has lost a glowing light in the road to freedom!!
Dr. Cynthia Willis Esqueda
July 11, 2013
I am so sorry for the family's loss. It is caring, kind people like Toshi Seeger that make the world a better place.
July 11, 2013
A life well-lived, she was a testament to the adage, behind every great man is a great woman. My condolences to family and friends.
July 11, 2013
My condolences for the loss of a lovely lady.
Jennifer Fisher
July 11, 2013
What a great loss. Pete and family I send you love and white light.
July 11, 2013
So sorry for your loss. A great life lived.
David Nolan
July 11, 2013
Pete and Toshi Seeger have been an inspiration to the world, and I send my deepest sympathy--along with a hearty "Well Done!"
Lynne Wooby
July 11, 2013
To Pete, family and the world. So sorry for your loss. May choirs of angels sing her to her rest.
sue kelsey
July 11, 2013
SO sorry for the temporary loss of your beautiful wife. I am sure you will meet again.
"When the caterpillar thought it was the end--it became a butterfly. sincerest condolences on the loss of a woman who made the world a much better place.
G. Freeman
July 11, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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