Page 13 - Commentator_Dec2017

MEET ADELINE SEAKWOOD, our Sunshine Lady, written by Sherry Bechtold

When you first meet Adeline Seakwood, you will be greeted with a smile and a big hug. The next time you meet her,
you will likely be greeted in the same way. And the next time. And so forth! Because
that is what she does. That is who she is. She will make you feel at home every time.

Adeline and her husband Herb moved to Punta Gorda about 28 years ago. She
needed something to do. Something that gave meaning to her days, purpose to her
life. They had joined the Punta Gorda Civic Association and a Newcomer’s Club
member suggested that Adeline become a greeter, a role that quickly evolved into the
“Sunshine Lady.” If someone in the Association is ill, in the hospital, struggling
through a crisis, or simply down in the dumps, the Sunshine Lady is dispatched to the
rescue. After 28 years on the job, she’s still at the ready
whenever she is needed!

Adeline has been known as the Sunshine Lady for so
long, a lot of people do not realize the scope of her life
BEFORE Punta Gorda included a 50 year career in film
and television, including production on The Patty Duke
Show, Trading Places, Annie, and Superman. At 15, she
became a Robert Powers model in New York City. When
she tried out for an extra in the movie North by Adeline & husband Herb
Northwest, her good looks got her cast as the girl on the
elevator, standing behind Cary Grant. When she realized he was blocking her from
being seen on camera, she leaned into him and whispered “My mother will never forgive you” and he graciously
moved aside to reveal her bright young face.

As a young mother of two girls, she was motivated by making money and didn’t really
have the “acting bug.” She started taking small jobs in production, became good at it, and
built a reputation that brought her success. Eventually, she co-founded local
161/Production Office Coordinators and Script Supervisors that provided better
compensation and acknowledgement in the film/television industry.

Adeline has a million stories about her life in “the business” and photos galore with
famous people with whom she connected over the years – Robert Redford, Don Amici,
Patricia Neal, Ralph Bellamy, Peter Falk, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Reeve, Burt
Reynolds, and so many others.

In addition to her work at the PGICA, Adeline is an active volunteer for other
organizations such as the thrift stores for Meals on Wheels and the Homeless Coalition.
She also works with the PGICA Isles Girls and Guys, who help residents move and hold
estate sales. She is there to greet every customer who
shows up, with a smile and a hug.
Adeline

As if all this were not enough, Adeline is blessed with
musicianship – she plays piano by ear and formed a singing trio called The Three
Tones with Dolores Lazarus and Marion Haberman, bringing music and smiles to
patients in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Throughout the years, in all the roles she has played, a common thread of kindness,
caring, and gentility prevails. Adeline is a “people person,” with her own family at the
top of the list. Her late husband of 36 years, Herb, was clearly the love of her life
and to whom she has written 26 love songs! She lives with her devoted daughter
Nanette Leonard, who is a well-known member of our Punta Gorda community.

Adeline Seakwood, what a wonderful full life you are living! Everyone knows the
Sunshine Lady - a great spirit among us - and we are so grateful. When asked how
she would like to be remembered, she said simply, “…as a kind and thoughtful
person. That’s all.”

th
On January 27, 2018, Adeline will celebrate a milestone - her 95 birthday. Thank
you for everything you continue to do for us, Adeline!
Adeline & daughter Nanette
13