Marcia Lee Peterson Seawell

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marcia Lee Peterson Seawell.  She was a third generation Coloradan, attended Denver Public Schools, graduating from East High School in 1957.  She married her high-school sweetheart, Thomas Craig Seawell, in 1959 and they had three daughters. She graduated from the University of Colorado in 1961, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.  She is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Following the tradition that existed in her immediate and extended family, she chose a life committed to community service with ongoing dedication to the voluntary sector.   Her husband was her constant cheerleader.  Her family always came first, and she loved being involved in their school activities.  Her favorite “job” was being a “Mom.”

She served in leadership positions at Craig Hospital, Travelers Aid, Human Services, the Junior League of Denver, the Rocky Mountain Headache Association, the American Council for Headache Education, and the Tuesday Morning Class.  She was the first female board member for Mile High United Way.   She was a longtime member of her prayer group.  She was honored nationally for her volunteer contributions by the National Council for Voluntary Action and received her award in the Rose Garden from President Gerald Ford in 1976.  She received recognition from the Denver Council for Community Relations and was featured twice in the Denver Post’s Gallery of Fame.  She and her husband were a presenting couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter.  She was also a graduate of the Catholic Biblical School, Class of 1996. 

Due to her own personal experience with debilitating migraine headaches, Marcia devoted her later years to the ministry of increasing support and education for persons suffering from severe chronic headaches.  She wrote the book of guidelines for support group facilitators based on starting the first lay-led support groups in the U.S. which has been used both nationally and translated into a number of foreign languages.  She was the Executive Director, with a crew of volunteers, for the Rocky Mountain Headache Association from 1988-2001, and coordinated up to 60 support groups as the Support Group Coordinator for the national organization, the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE.)

Marcia is pre-deceased by her husband Thomas, a Denver attorney, her grandson, Garrett Giacomelli, and her parents Elmer H. Peterson Jr. and Virginia Karbach Peterson.  She is survived by her three daughters-Deborah Sunset and her husband David of Lake Worth, FL, Leslie Giacomelli Garske and her husband Craig of Littleton, Diana Nikkari and her husband Andy of Grand Junction. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren:  Erin (Lee) Wise, Jackson Garske, Erik (Brittney) Sunset, Michelle (Eric) Sunset, Olivia (Bryce) Peck and Maxwell Nikkari, and her brother Stephen K. Peterson.  She is also survived by her six great grandchildren.  She treasured her extended family and many friends, all of whom graced her life. 

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at All Souls Catholic Church, 4950 S. Logan Street, Englewood, CO 80113. A reception will immediately follow at All Souls Catholic Church. Burial will follow after the reception at Fairmount Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House, 4801 N. Highway 67, Box 185, Sedalia, CO  80135, Craig Hospital, 3425 S. Clarkson St., Englewood, CO 80113, or the charity of your choice. 

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