Sarah Elizabeth Seelmann

Sarah Elizabeth Seelmann, 74, of Pace, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a brave battle with cancer.

Born on November 25, 1950 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Rudy and Lucile Leonard, Sarah's life was a tapestry of grace, generosity, and unwavering devotion. It was during her senior year of high school that she met the love of her life, Bill Seelmann, whose hand she would hold through 55 cherished years of marriage. Sarah embodied selflessness-a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and joyful Grannie who always placed the needs of others above her own, weaving threads of love into every moment shared with her family.

Sarah pursued her passion for education, graduating from the University of West Florida with a degree in elementary education. She dedicated 20 fulfilling years to shaping young minds as a math teacher at Ferry Pass Middle School, retiring in 2012 with the quiet pride of knowing she had ignited a love of learning in countless students. Beyond the classroom, Sarah lived a full life centered on her family, where her home was a haven of warmth and her laughter a melody that lingered in the hearts of all who knew her.

A master quilter whose hands created not just fabric but legacies of comfort, Sarah was an active member of several local quilting guilds. Her talents extended far beyond her sewing room; she poured her heart into volunteering, handcrafting quilts for veterans through the "Final Salute" program and delivering them to the VA Hospital in Biloxi, Mississippi. Her profound patriotism and tireless support for those who served earned her the prestigious Freedom's Foundation Award, a testament to the quiet heroism she embodied every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy and Lucile Leonard.

Sarah is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Seelmann; her three devoted sons, Bill (Shannan), John (Johanna), and Rudy (Leslie); seven cherished grandchildren; four precious great-grandchildren; and her sister, Jo Ellen Orris (Dale).

A celebration of Sarah's extraordinary life, conducted by her family, will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Chumuckla Community Church, 8008 Chumuckla Highway, Milton, FL 32571. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the service at 10:00 AM. All who knew and loved Sarah are warmly invited to gather, share stories, and honor the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate teams at Baptist Hospital and Vitas Hospice for the exceptional care that supported Sarah through her journey. Special thanks go to the oncology and infusion teams at Baptist, whose kindness and expertise provided comfort during her courageous fight.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions in Sarah's honor to the Baptist Health Care Foundation in support of their oncology and infusion services. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 17500, Pensacola, FL 32522, or made securely online at www.baptisthealthcarefoundation.org .

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