Labor Passages: Magda Lynn Seymour Passes

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Union communications professional Magda Lynn Seymour (r) passed away Tuesday, February 23. Formerly the Communications Director at AFGE and the Field Communications Director at SEIU, she also worked in the AFL-CIO Information Department. Seymour was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis several years ago. The debilitating effects of the disease resulted in her working from a wheelchair and later required her to forgo her career to live in a long-term care center in Maryland. However, those who were close to her say that she never let MS get the best of her incredible spirit. "If you ever met Magda, even once, you would never forget her bright smile and larger-than-life presence," writes colleague Joy Pritchett. "Even during some of her most difficult, painful days, her close friends could never recall her engaging in a single negative conversation. She was always upbeat and positive. Even near the end of her life, friends say she was at peace and happy." Memorial services are being planned in Maryland for later this month.  Meanwhile, expressions can be sent to Seymour's sister: Ruth Seymour, 1604 Graefield Road, Birmingham, MI 48009.
- photo courtesy Joy Pritchett