Francois Wilfrid Séguin

St. Helena Island, SC - Francois "Frank" Wilfrid Séguin, M.D. passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Frank was born in Boston, Massachusetts on August 21,1939, the third of nine children, to the late Antoinette Cormier Séguin and Wilfrid A. Séguin, M.D. of Southbridge, Massachusetts. Frank attended Notre Dame High School in Southbridge where he played basketball and Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester, where he excelled academically.

Frank began his collegiate studies at the University of Notre Dame and received his Bachelor of Science in 1961, but not before taking a year away to study abroad at the University of Vienna and then to backpack across Europe, living in hostels, supporting himself by doing odd jobs, ultimately returning to Notre Dame, much to the relief of his parents. Frank wasted no time applying to McGill Medical School in Montreal, Canada, where he had extended family and enjoyed the French influences of his mother's heritage. Frank and Judith Martens were married in 1962 and welcomed two of their four children, Marc and Michele, while in Canada. Frank had pledged the Nu Sigma Nu fraternity and graduated from McGill Medical School in 1965.

From 1966-1970, Frank served as a Captain in the United States Air Force (Medical Corp), and was stationed in Ohio and Nebraska. He and his wife welcomed two additional children, Elise and Christopher, in 1969 and 1971, rounding out their clan. After Frank's internship and pediatric residency at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, the family settled in Stow, Ohio and Frank entered private practice at Children's Medical Group in Akron, Ohio.

Doc Séguin, along with his partners and good friends, remained in private practice for 30 years serving the children and their families in the Akron, Ohio area. Children's Medical Group doctors, nurses and staff were devoted to one another and children's healthcare. Additionally, Frank was a member of the medical staffs at Akron City Hospital, Akron General Medical Center, Akron Children's Hospital and St. Thomas Hospital. He was an active participant in the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic for 30 years. Frank left behind a legacy of professional care provided in a compassionate and caring environment.

Frank and Barbara J. Diller were married on March 12, 1994. In 1999, they both retired and set out on their journey together moving to Dataw Island in St. Helena, SC. Their "golden years" were spent learning all about the Low Country and traveling down unknown roads leading to nowhere but usually discovering a small town to explore.

Dataw Island is a community of transplants, eager to make new friends, drink good wine, and share in the beauty of nature, warm weather and ocean breezes. Nearby Beaufort, Savannah and Charleston provided too many opportunities to shop for antiques. In no time, their house became a home and their "Island Friends" group were throwing monthly house parties.

A few years later, Barbara's two children, Karen and Jonathan, relocated to South Carolina to be closer to their Mom, and as Frank had been their pediatrician growing up, everything seemed familiar and easy. Frank became a positive and caring part of their adult lives. So grateful. Frank and Barb rescued their golden retriever, Teddie, who became their new travel mate. Frank, Barb and Teddie loved Hunting Island and joined the Sea Turtle Rescue Program.

Frank grew up spending summers at a family property in rural Massachusetts and was always drawn to the land. He and his brothers often slept in the old bunk house during the cold New England winters, even then the outdoors captured his imagination. Years later, In the warmer SC climate, Frank enjoyed working with the children at St. Peter's Catholic Church teaching the kids how to grow vegetables in their church garden. He and the young students formed an after school group known as "The Diggers Club". Frank just could not stop himself from cleaning up and re-landscaping much of the church grounds, much to the chagrin of the maintenance guys who had to maintain it after Frank's legs started to let him know he was no longer 40.

Frank enjoyed playing tennis on the Dataw Men's Singles Team, Reading books anytime, anywhere. He returned to a favorite pastime, cross word puzzles, loved his Notre Dame Fighting Irish football games and New England Patriots. Frank really loved that first cup of coffee in the early hours, reading the morning newspaper with his legs up on the nearest table.

Frank was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Stow, Ohio, and a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Lady's Island, SC.

Barbara passed away on June 3, 2023. They shared a love of life, a love of each other and of their God. "I add my breath to your breath that we may be as one person. May our days on Earth be long. May we finish our road together."

Frank and Barb, your journey on Earth is complete and now rest in peace together, forever. We love you and will miss you both, The Kids.

Frank was preceded in death by his siblings: John Séguin, Jacqueline Dumas, Peter Séguin and Marie Grinstead. Frank's dear grandson, Matthew McGarvey, also preceded his grandfather to heaven.

Frank is survived by his children: Marc A. Séguin (Corinne Smorra), Michele McGarvey (Kevin), Elise Archual (Steve), Christopher Séguin (Julie); Barbara's bonus children: Karen Diller and Jonathan Diller (April); cherished siblings: Louise Séguin, Michele Chase, Wilfrid Séguin (Donna), Marc L. Séguin (Loannah); beautiful grandchildren: Lauren (Justin) Stadelmyer, Gabrielle Séguin-Dismukes (Darian), Kathryn Séguin, Casey Archual, Kyler Archual, Hailey Séguin, Austin Diller, and Cole Archual; great-grandchildren: Ezra East and Zoey Stadelmyer. Blessings all.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, beginning at 10:30am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 70 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907 (843) 522-9555. Fr. Andrew Trapp, Officiant. Interment will be the Church Columbarium. Friends are welcome to join the family after the ceremony for a luncheon in the Church hall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Francis Center, 85 Mattis Drive, St. Helena, SC 29920 (843) 838-3924, in support of the underserved and persons with disabilities.

Please share your thoughts and stories about Frank by visiting www.copelandfuneralservice.com. Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Séguin Family with arrangements.