Florence Seng

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Florence Seng brought such joy to the world around her. She lived a vibrant life filled with so many of the things she loved, yet nothing was more near and dear to her heart than the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who made her so very proud. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, it came naturally to Florence to put the needs of others ahead of her own needs in ways both great and small. A longtime resident of the Muskegon community, Florence will never be forgotten by all who were blessed to feel her touch. The year 1918 was an eventful year in American history. Although we had high hopes of remaining neutral during WWI, repeated hostile acts in the Pacific left President Woodrow Wilson with no choice but to engage in the fight for peace in 1917. The flu epidemic gripped our nation during this time as well, which caused 202 deaths a day during its peak in 1918. This was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Pontiac, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on September 1, 1918. Florence Harriet was one of two children born to her parents, Leroy and Carrie Belle (Finkle) Sprague, joined in her family by her younger brother, Miles. Shortly after Miles was born the Spragues moved to the family home on the corner of Division and Washington in downtown Muskegon. Because both of Florences parents were deaf, she and her brother needed to learn sign language as a means of communicating with their parents. She was a student at local schools and went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1936. Life was forever changed for Florence when she met the man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Edward Seng, and they met in 1939 when he sent Florence a Valentines Day card asking her for a date. She accepted, and it wasnt long before they were officially dating. With a desire to establish a life together, Florence and Ed were married on September 22, 1939, at Central United Methodist Church. The newlyweds settled into a house on LeTart Street in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon. Ed worked as a welder at Campbell, Wyant, and Cannon Foundry while Florence focused her attention on caring for their two children, Alvin, who was born in 1944 and Donna, born in 1948. The Seng family eventually settled into a house on Lawnel Avenue in Norton Shores on property that was owned by Eds brother. This would be the place that Florence and Ed would call home for the 50 years that followed. As a family there were fun-filled vacations to Niagara Falls as well as several other destinations throughout the United States. In addition to caring for her family, Florence kept busy with other things she enjoyed. When her children were both in school she began working part-time at Hardy-Herpolsheimers Department Store. Florence was an active and faithful member of Central United Methodist Church in addition to the Muskegon Womens Club. Ed kept a huge garden in the backyard, and she enjoyed cooking up whatever he grew. Florence and her husband enjoyed square dancing, and once they retired they got bit by the travel bug. They went on several cruises and also took fun road trips all over the country, seeing the Grand Canyon and several other national parks. With an interest in her family history, Florence took some classes on genealogy. She was thrilled when her own family tree grew to include grandchildren. Each summer the grandkids would come and stay with Florence and Ed for several weeks. Daily life became more difficult for Florence and her beloved husband when he was diagnosed with cancer. She tenderly cared for him for several years, and he fought hard to overcome the disease. Florence was deeply saddened with his death in 1992. She was able to remain on her own in their home for a time thanks to help from relatives and neighbors. Florence also kept active at church. In 2001, she moved into a senior housing development in Madison Heights, which allowed her to be near her daughters family. She enjoyed her time there and took to playing Bunco with other residents. However, her heart remained in Muskegon as she kept up with everything going on in her longtime hometown by reading the Muskegon Chronicle every day. Florence also kept in touch with her church in Muskegon. A few years ago she moved back to Muskegon with her daughter and family. For a time last year she also lived in Dayspring Assisted Living where her brother Miles was also living. She loved getting to spend time with him. Florence was able to draw her last breath at home surrounded by her loved ones. When reflecting on the life of Florence Seng, we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, but that it is through the love we share with those around us that we are richly blessed. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and doting grandmother and great-grandmother whose family was a priceless treasure. Faith was the cornerstone in Florences life, and although she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. Florence H. Seng died Friday, October 25, 2013. Florences family includes her daughter, Donna (Rick) Harris of Muskegon; son, Alvin Seng of Maine; brother, Miles Sprague of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Mary Seng of Wixom; grandchildren, Marc Harris, R. Scott Harris, Mark Seng, Mindy Seng and Karen Seng, several great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death, by her husband, Edward in 1992 and grandson, Jeff Harris in 2010. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Miller officiating. Visit with Forences family and friends on Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donation can be made to Central United Methodist Church or charity of your choice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.