Barbara Seng Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Patrick Byron
July 11, 2020
Years after her passing I still think of Barb and what a wonderful lady she was for the years that I knew her via State Speech. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a gracious kindness that was hers alone. I hope and pray that I will see her again.
Mary Schumacher
May 31, 2020
I think of Barb often. My mom, June Schaefer Schumacher, was her dads niece. I grew up
listening to stories about Barb and the rest of her immediate family. I was lucky enough to get together with her a few times before I left home. Over the years, we spoke on the phone and I always told her Id love for her to visit me in Hawaii. Seeing the turmoil in Minnesota, I tried to call and found her number was not in service. I thought that may simply mean she didnt have a land line anymore so I did a search to try and find her. My hope was, knowing the long wonderful life Uncle Bob had, she was still alive and well. I am so sorry to hear of her death. Ill always cherish the relationship we had even though it was one of long distance.
Shelly Olson McVicket
January 13, 2019
For some reason, I was compelled to look for Barbara online today. I guess I should have not been surprised at her passing. However, Barb and my mom were the same age and my mom is still living. I graduated from Sibley in 1980. I cannot count the many ways Barb made a difference in my life. Looking back, I think of myself as her "special" student because I got to hang out in her office before school, and Barb picked me to do the morning announcements two years running. She gave me the fundamentals to win 2nd in the 1980 state speech competition and to go on to playing the lead in our spring musical as Maria in the Sound of Music, my dream role.
I have often thought of Barb and her cohorts, Ken Veale and Eileen DeWald. May they all kick up their heels in heaven!
Bill Stieger
June 9, 2017
We called her Miss Seng. And she was among the few great instructors at old Sibley. In '69, I was a borderline juvenile delinquent, definitely not college material. Despite my efforts to be tough and impervious to my educational mediocrity, inwardly I was a mess and saw little value in myself.
I took Miss Seng's speech class. As part of the course, we were required to participate in one speech festival, which angered me, as they held them on Saturdays. I conjured up a routine from an Alan King humor book, the title of which I do not remember. I forget where the first one was held. But I won a ribbon, which led my performing at other speech festivals. I acted like it wasn't a big deal; but I was thrilled at my newfound competence. I ended up doing my bit at the regional speech festival held in North St. Paul. I remember riding the school bus to the festival, a bus filled with students from the Honor Society. It was Miss Seng who encouraged me. She was kind, direct, classy, and I felt cared about.
Miss Seng also labored with Sibley's drama students. I held roles in student productions, like "Bye Bye Birdy," and "The Crucible" (perhaps the WORST student production in the history of mankind!). But my 1970 Sibley yearbook has a photo of Miss Seng helping me with attaching the ponderous fake beard I had to wear as the 80-year-old Giles Corey from the play. (The audience laughed at us all the way through the production; we were dying of embarrassment). But I treasure the photograph of myself with Miss Seng.
God Bless you Great Lady.
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Joseph Courtemanche
November 19, 2013
I was searching for Ms. Seng's name today and sadly this came up on Google.
She was an admirable woman in all of my encounters with her as a student. She was my speech coach back in the 1970's and inculcated in me a love of that forum. She turned me loose with no strictures and allowed me to grow as a speaker.
I credit her, and her kindness, for giving me the skill set that I use today in my professional life. Thank you, Mrs. Seng. You were a blessing.
Pam Tvedt
October 21, 2013
Reading the fall issue of the MSHSL Bulletin today and learning of Barb's passing gave me quite a jolt. Her encouragement and support has been a sustaining influence for me over the last 20 plus years as a speech coach and tournament manager. I treasure the memory of our conversations and letters. The MN speech world has grown under her loving tutelage. She will be long remembered and greatly missed.
Sister Isabella Ferrell
July 31, 2013
My dear friend and pupil
Thomas Siekkinen
July 29, 2013
Barb was the person I was told twenty-one years ago to go to to ask any and all questions. That advice, much like Barb, never failed me. I will miss her and her friendship. MN Speech/Theatre/Debate truly is at the excelled level because of who Barb was, and I will forever remember her. God Bless You Barb, God has a real speech judge to correct him now!
Barbara Belknap
July 22, 2013
I knew Barb Seng as an excellent speech coach at Henry Sibley and a force of poise and polish for the annual Homecoming coronation event. She had an great sense of humor, kept in balance with propriety and grace. I graduated in 1981 and she looks the same now as she did then. Timeless. Prayers for her family, fond memories for the rest of us.
Monica Fox Elenbaas
July 22, 2013
Ms. Seng was such an influential educator. She set the bar high and expected her students to rise to the challenge. I am just one of thousands who can say that she contributed to my success as an adult. So many days she came to mind, and I said a prayer of gratitude that I was so fortunate to have her as my teacher.
Christmas at the Church of St. Louis 2012
July 22, 2013
Wearing her 'Signature' glasses
July 22, 2013
Cheryl Neidt
July 21, 2013
Barb was a shepherd of speech, drama, and debate programs in Minnesota. Her passion was extended to both small and large programs, and her interest in assisting all coaches was second to none. I'm thankful for the role Barb played in making fine arts activities visible and viable in Minnesota.
July 20, 2013
As long as I was involved in speech, since the later 60's, Barb was always part of the picture. I considered her to be a great lady, a cheerleader for speech, and a friend to all. She never forgot a name and was a gracious mentor to coaches and students. I will miss seeing her at State Speech.
Carol Purrington
Christy Blake
July 20, 2013
Barb was the sweetest lady. Barb would give my husband (bob) and me our holy communion every week. (And say our name).
Barb would smile at our boys and always make them feel welcome in the church. Barb also was one if the BEST dressers. I will miss seeing her many beautiful jackets/blazers.
She will be missed very much.
Jody Spelios Steele
July 20, 2013
Ms. Seng persuaded me to enter speech contests even though I stuttered horribly. After some success and further encouragement, she gently nudged me in to drama productions. The stuttering magically disappeared. I have worked as an educator since 1968, first as a teacher and the last 25 years as a principal. Speaking in front of hundreds, I have often thought of Ms. Seng and how she changed my life. I will never forget her and will always be grateful.
Ellen Kuznicki
July 19, 2013
Barb was the epitome of a true educator. She was an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. Barb was my mentor and my friend, and I will miss her.
July 19, 2013
You taught us all....
You will be missed.....
Vaillancourt
Fr. Joe, Mary Ellen, Barb & John DiSanto 2007
Dee Hobbie
July 19, 2013
What wonderful tributes. She made quite an impression on so many and these are a confirmation of her life. We've all lost a good friend. Barb was someone I could talk to and laugh with and always count on. The parishioners and friends of St. Louis Church are stunned and deeply saddened. I met her in 2001 and for a while I'd get her confused with Sr. Jane. The first time I saw Barb dressed in her sparkling evening jacket, I knew I was not going to make that mistake again. She would have laughed if I ever told her that. I always meant to, but did not know quite how to bring it up. I'll miss seeing her answer to door at the rectory, wearing her MaryJane Sketchers, her patterned cheater glasses and especially at First Saturday Breakfasts with her Fleur-dy-lys bedazzled ball cap on. She told me the glasses and hat were gifts. Whomever gave them to her, I hope you know that they were her signature trademark.
Patrick Killian
July 19, 2013
One of the kindest souls in education. She would read aloud to those who could hardly read at all and every student listened, because she read with love. An inspiration to many.
July 19, 2013
Barb, you were amazing and touched so many lives, young and old. You will be sadly missed.
Joan Nevitt
Jeanne Scheffert
July 19, 2013
I am truly sad to say I did not know of Barb's great accomplishments as a teacher, mentor and guide.
I only knew her as a fellow member of The Church of St. Louis, King of France.
Her dedication to her church was known by all. She worked diligently and joyfully for the church, priests, and parishioners. Her graciousness and devotion were evident in all the time consuming tasks she took on-all done with a quiet dignity and a twinkle in her eye.
She certainly leaves a legacy of service,kindness, compassion, love and devotion throughout all of her life.
My condolences to all who knew her.
Jeanne Scheffert
Judi Weigenant Hanson
July 19, 2013
Barb Seng was an amazing role model. I was her student and then had the pleasure of judging speech for the MSHL. When I worked at Sibley in the 1980's, I did stage manager work with her and Eileen Dewald and Ken Veale. The time spent with Barb impacted how I worked with young people for the last 50 years! Thank you for the gifts of respect, dignity and compassion.
Jo Ann Holonbek
July 18, 2013
Barbara was one of a kind and we will not see the likes of her again. There wasn't a false part to her entire being and life style. "Look to that which endures. The sea, the sky, the stars, memory, and the human heart. These are the eternals," which Barbara now is a beautiful part.
Joni Anker
July 18, 2013
Barb Seng has been the "mother of speech" for as long as I can remember. Over the 36 years that I knew her, she never aged. I would tease her about it every time I saw her. I just figured Barb Seng would always be with us. I am sure that the angels are receiving diction instruction in heaven! She will be missed!
Tammy (Dedrickson) McNamara
July 18, 2013
Some of my best memories were with Ms.Seng and the fun I had in Acting and Stagecraft. She truly inspired students to be their best and coached me out of my comfort zone. She is a treasure and will be sorely missed.
Bev Proulx
July 18, 2013
Barb and I spent hours working on MSHSL "stuff" and many more hours being friends and enjoying wonderful lunches and conversations. I will miss her so very much. MN speech and drama have
lost one of its great ones...and so have the rest of us. Bev Proulx, MN
Ceil McDonald
July 18, 2013
Barb was always so gracious and helpful. No question was "stupid". I owe so much to her mentorship, as do countless others. We have lost a dear friend.
Michael Shields
July 18, 2013
Barbara Seng was my favorite teacher at Sibley High School. She was my home room teacher for two academic years in 1971 & 1972; because of the switch over from the old school to the new school. I was fortunate to have her for speech, theatre and creative writing. She was a classmate of my Mother, Joan Baril, at St. Josephs Academy(small world). I have seen her weekly at the "J" for many years until last week. She was always POSITIVE!
Joyce Hebert
July 18, 2013
I'll always remember Barb as a role model for me when I first started coaching speech and directing one-act plays in Minnesota. She was always supportive, caring, and patient in sharing the wisdom of her vast experience. I can't imagine the Minnesota speech world without her. My heart is sad at this unexpected news.
Al Reller
July 18, 2013
What I remember most about Bard were the duos she and Bob H. would do at SAM. The elegance and wit she brought to reading match book covers. She was also first, last and always a lady but sometimes if she felt safe with you...ready to dish!!!
Eric Meyer
July 18, 2013
I can only echo those who have already shared their feelings about Barb. I could always call or email her for those "dumb" speech questions, and she was always helpful, kind, and gracious. We are so lucky that her legacy will continue on through those she's taught, coached, and mentored.
Carol Tauer
July 18, 2013
I knew Barb from St. Joseph's Academy in St. Paul, where we were part of the class of 1950. In all the years since then, she has been an active member of the SJA Alumnae Association and has played a vital role in keeping members of our class connected. We are grateful for all the time she spent in planning reunions, sending invitations, hosting the events, and adding her unique voice by often giving a homily at the reunion Mass. Her death is a shock, and we will miss her presence.
Mickey Mulcahy
July 18, 2013
I knew Barb through the St Catherine's Alumnae Association. She was phenominal. And that great smile and twinkling eyes. Always ready and willing to do whatever. She brought wisdom and balance. And her remarkable professional impacts! WOW!
A great woman who will be greatly missed!
Mickey Mulcahy
Mark Mortrude
July 18, 2013
In the same manner that light continues to come to us from extinguished stars, the passion and enthusiasm Barb Seng had for words well-spoken will continue to illuminate those of us--young competitors and collegues alike--fortunate enough to know her. She was a class act.
Amy Jents (DeWald)
July 18, 2013
Barb was truly one of the best people I had the pleasure of knowing. A lifelong friend to my Grandmother(Eileen) and dear friend to all of the DeWald family. She will be deeply missed. Her smile and genuine happiness to see her friends never went unnoticed. I will miss her smile and greeting of "hi Aim how are you honey?". Dearest Barb our family very much appreciates your friendship, love and support of Grandma all these years. Clearly you have touched many many lives. My deepest sympathy to family and friends.
Patrick Byron
July 18, 2013
Barb was one of THE reasons that I enjoyed Speech competitions and the STATE Tournament. She was a "ROCK" in my book; a classy lady, an awesome sense of humor and a persona that was magical and magnetic. She will be missed. May God grant her eternal life.
Amy Boman
July 18, 2013
Ms. Seng was the teacher who was always challenging me to go above and beyond what I believed I could do. She will always have my utmost respect.
Brian Cole
July 18, 2013
She was the voice of theatre and speech in our state. A timeless lady whose critiques were meticulous and her care genuine. Blessed be her memory.
Rogers George
July 17, 2013
Mrs. Seng was my 12th grade English teacher in the early sixties. It's been 50 years and I still can't bring myself to use her first name. I remember one of the first things she said in class that she would swing from the chandelier if it would help us learn. She taught us pretty well without the chandelier.
Dale and Patricia Neuschwander
July 17, 2013
Barb Seng was the iconic face and voice of Minnesota speech. Her dignity, knowledge, and integrity were unsurpassed. She would go anywhere and do anything to promote the fine arts. On a personal level the speech and drama coaches of this state have lost a warm, caring friend with a big heart and a sweet smile. She was a class act.
July 17, 2013
I will miss Barb dearly! I still remember the day she placed the state medal around my neck in 1982, and again when she did so for my first student to place at state as a coach. She will be deeply missed.
July 17, 2013
This is hard to believe. Barb has been the "mother of speech" for as long as I can remember. Over the 36 years that I knew her, she never aged. I would tease her about it. "When are you going to look older?" I just thought she would be with us forever. Thanks to Barb Seng speech is alive and strong in Minnesota! I am sure she is giving elocution lessons now to the angels!
Chris Johnson
July 17, 2013
It was in 1974 when Barb helped me prepare a speech for a Minnesota VICA State Competition. I felt like I was the main character in My Fair Lady at that time as Barb refined my words and tweaked my presentation skills. She challenged me to do only my very best and I won the competition. The experience was a pivotal moment in my character development and a challenge for life to pay it forward to others in the future. God Blessed Barb and all those hundreds of lives that she touched! May the angels lead you into paradise.
Respectfully, Chris Olson Johnson
Scott Larson
July 17, 2013
I had the privelege to work with Barb, first at Henry Sibley, and later when she judged One Act Play and Speech in Region 3AA. Barb was a true professional and made the rest of us better educators, friends and colleagues. She was one of the really good ones.
Dan Beaubien
July 17, 2013
Ms. Seng taught with a grace and kindness that is rare. She helped me tremendously as a mentor as she coached me in Speech. Without her I never would have even considered giving a speech at graduation; a memory that I will never forget. Rest in peace, Barb.
Jeff Rueter
July 17, 2013
Though I only knew her through the role as a speech competitor, Barb's rounds were ones that speakers got particularly nervous for-- not because she was an intimidating person (she was kind, caring, and very helpful), but because she commanded a respect for what she loved (in this case, forensics) that few others could attain. She will be greatly missed.
Jann Garofano
July 17, 2013
Barb's legacy will be not only the many students she has guided throughout her own career, but the thousands of lives she has touched through her mentoring of so many teachers and coaches throughout the state. She was a tireless advocate for the arts and the students who participated in them. She will truly be missed.
Brian Vinero
July 17, 2013
I had Ms. Seng as a Speech and Drama teacher at Sibley High School in the 1980s, and I eventually became a professional actor and acting teacher myself. She had a remarkable ability to speak to teenagers as if they were adults and would be incredibly gracious about differences of opinion about artistic matters, even though she was the grown-up and the expert. She had high expectations for her students and made it clear that they had to put their best foot forward in any endeavor because the "real world" was right around the corner and expectations and demands would be high. For the two years I had her as a teacher we both happened to have Guthrie seasons tickets on Sunday afternoons and there were many Monday mornings I would stop by the office so we could discuss the artistic merits of the production, for better or for worse. She was truly a firecracker, though a calm and collected one...she will be missed by generations of her students.
Hy Larson
July 17, 2013
Barb, simply put, made speech better. Her challenging and elegant approach to MSHSL competition is an inspiration to me and that will live forever.
July 17, 2013
While in college I had a great lady mentor, Dorothy Magnus, who guided me with my speech and drama major After I became a teacher and coach I met another great lady, Barb Seng. Barb was a great mentor in the field of speech and drama. She was truly devoted to the MSHSL and speech and drama activities in Minnesota. She will be missed. God Bless. Donald Fosburgh
terry boelter
July 17, 2013
I have so many wonderful memories of Ms Seng. She was a wonderful teacher and someone you could confide in. I often thought about her
and am sad that, since graduating
from Henry Sibley in 79, I never
visited or looked her up. I hope life
was good to her.
Emily Heinis
July 17, 2013
Barb was a real inspiration and such a kind person. Few people work as tirelessly and as passionately as she did. I know how much she was liked and respected in the speech world, which can only mean she was that much more appreciated in the other aspects of her life. My prayers for her family and close friends.
Tom Lucas
July 17, 2013
In my numerous conversations with Barb during my initial years of Speech coaching and beyond, I came to feel that Barb sincerely cared about the trials and tribulations of every student, every program, and every coach in Minnesota...deserving of the highest possible praise. We'll miss Barb.
Audrey French
July 17, 2013
May Barb's grace, beauty, insight, charisma, and love for the arts and forensics live on in all of us. She had charm and understanding that all who were a part of her world emulate.
Connie Halvorson
July 17, 2013
I will miss Barb! She was a gentle woman that mentored and inspired me. I always considered her a true friend at MSHSL.
Sandy Nieland
July 17, 2013
WWBSD - What Would Barb Seng Do? My speech colleagues and I would use this phrase as our guide when coaching students or managing a tournament hoping, that like Barb, we could handle any situation with wit, wisdom, and professionalism. Bless you, Barb, for all you have done for Minnesota teachers, coaches, and students.
Wendy Schultz-McCurdy
July 17, 2013
My dear friend Barb. Thank you for making it a point to always getting to know your speech world colleagues. You were one of the first that accepted me in, and I am forever greatful. You have done so much for everyone in the speech and theater world. What a great menter, teacher, and friend to all. You will be greatly greatly missed!
Mike Tillmann
July 17, 2013
Barbara was a great and good woman whose legacy for and dedication to the teachers, coaches, schools, and students in Minnesota speech, debate, and theatre are her perpetual blessing to all of us.
Tom Backen
July 17, 2013
Barb's legacy will surely live on in the hearts of countless colleagues whom she inspired during her decades of selfless devotion to speech actitivites and the MSHSL. To me, she will always be the "Grande Dame" of Minnesota speech! "Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest," Barb! We will miss you dearly.
Thom Amundsen
July 17, 2013
I called Barb Seng early in my one-act play career with a simple question about rules. She treated me as if I had known her for years, and I knew at that moment she would guide me the next 18 years. Always thoughtful and passionate about the kids. Godspeed Barb.
Pat Quade
July 17, 2013
Such great sadness for so many students, faculty members and friends across all of Minnesota. Barb leaves a legacy that lives on in the many lives she touched.
Tim Newcomb
July 17, 2013
Barb's dedication to teaching and kindness to all was truly inspirational. What a great mentor she was for so many people.
Tracy Hagstrom Durant
July 17, 2013
My dear Barbara...she has been my mentor and friend from the start of my career. When Barbara connected with me I knew I was going to grow, be challenged...I was going to be OK. My heart is so very heavy. Angels wings Barbara...
Polly Reikowski
July 17, 2013
This is such very sad news. Barb has been so devoted and so loved by all of the Speech, Debate and One Act Play communities as well as so many of us who are dear friends. We have lost a bright light.
Kaia Peters
July 17, 2013
Barb touched countless lives during her many years of service through her tireless work with the fine arts and forensics in Minnesota. She was a great lady and she will be missed.
July 17, 2013
Barb was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor, compassion for all of those who were lucky enough to come in contact with her, and just a delight to be around. She had the knack of being able to make everyone feel like they were her friend and I miss her already.
Dan Johnson
Janet MacNally
July 17, 2013
For all of the students who you so wonderfully guided and critiqued mere thank you is not enough. I will miss you greatly my dear friend.
Gregg Sawyer
July 17, 2013
What an empty place this world with be without Barb. Thousands of students, colleagues, friends and family are at a loss as to know what to say. I have always admired Barb's personal professionalism. A great lady and a warm and welcoming person.
Barbara Brihn
July 17, 2013
Barbara has been a participant of the water class for many years at the St Paul JCC. I can't say enough about what a wonderful person she was. She will be greatly missed!
My sympathy goes out to all who knew and loved her.
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