Lou Jean Seifarth

Lou Jean Seifarth, 91, of Sewickley, died peacefully April 30, 2021. Lou was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, teacher, volunteer, musician and athlete. Lou is survived by John M. Seifarth, her beloved husband of 68 years; daughter, Shelley (David) Sewell of Atlanta, Georgia, son, John Rodd (Lara) Seifarth of Ohio Township; grandsons, John Seifarth, Jacob Seifarth, granddaughter, Rebecca (Michael) Pecher of Latrobe, great-grandson, Grant Pecher; her nieces, nephews and their children; and her sister-in-law, Carole Boush. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roy (Carole) Boush; brother-in-law, Wayne Alan Seifarth and his wife, Dorothea Seifarth; and her parents, Anson and Elvena (Zerfing) Boush. Born July 29, 1929, in Reading, PA, Lou graduated from Wilson High School with honors in 1947, was voted most athletic and participated in several bands and orchestra. In 1951, Lou earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the State Teachers College at West Chester, graduating with honors. As a music educator, she worked in the North Coventry Township, Bellevue and Avalon school districts, as a vocal, instrumental and elementary music school teacher. Music excellence and enjoyment were lifelong passions, including, at age 13, taking the bus on Saturdays and walking to teach piano lessons in student homes. Her love for music continued over seven decades, directing and participating in church music worship including adult, youth, praise and handbell choirs. Lou had fond memories of directing “Lightshine,” a contemporary Christian musical. For decades, she enjoyed spending time with her husband John in the North Hills Philharmonic Orchestra and the Community Band South, playing her bass. Lou was active in her community, serving on the Avonworth School Board from 1971 to 1981 (as president 1979 to 1981), as well as the Ben Avon Historical Association (now Avonworth Historical Society), Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Avon Club, Meals on Wheels and the Literary Club of Bellevue. She was a long time member of the Fremont Avenue United Presbyterian Church (now New Life Community Church), serving as elder, clerk of session and on many committees. She enjoyed reading, entertaining, bridge, golf, bird watching, attending Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, jazz, opera, band and theatre performances. She closely followed the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, but Lou’s greatest joy was faithfully attending her grandsons’ sporting events, especially ice hockey and baseball. Lou was a devoted friend to many, friendly to all, “Grammy” to her beloved grandchildren, “Aunt Lou” to her much loved nieces and nephews, the heartbeat of her family, willing to serve others in the classroom, community and church, always learning, eternally optimistic, steadfast in challenging circumstances, filled with gratitude and forever devoted to God. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:00 p.m. at MCDONALD-LINN FUNERAL HOME,  529 California Avenue, Avalon, PA 15202. Please view the guestbook at www.mcdonald-linn.com. Memorial gifts may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 742, Carnegie PA 15206 or North Boroughs Meals on Wheels, 28 Pittsburgh Street, Pittsburgh PA 15202. A memorial worship service and celebration will be held at a future date.

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