M. Jane Seeman Funeral: Hundreds Say Goodbye to Beloved Longtime Mayor of Vienna

A funeral crowd estimated at 600 said goodbye Friday to longtime Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman, 76, who died Sunday after she was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

Read: Vienna Mayor M. Jane Seeman Dies

Family and friends gathered Thursday afternoon and evening to celebrate Seeman's life at Money and King Funeral Home, in Vienna. She was a resident of Vienna since 1968, served on the town council in 1996 and was elected mayor in 2000.

"Jane Seeman was a partner in local government and a gracious presence in Northern Virginia," said Congressman Gerry Connolly, in a statement. "I counted Jane as a friend. Her passing creates a void in the Town of Vienna that will be difficult to fill. Her presence will be missed."

"Mayor Seeman was a friend and mentor," said Fairfax City Mayor Scott Silverthorne said. "I appreciated her warmth and courage in leading the Town, even through this very difficult period. Her direct style was something I've tried to emulate as mayor in the City of Fairfax."

The funeral Friday afternoon for Seeman was held at Vienna Presbyterian Church, where she was eulogized by members of her family, her son Bill Seeman and daughter Linda Colbert.

Her granddaughter Hannah Colbert sang "Amazing Grace," and her granddaughters Heather Colbert and Jaclyn Seeman each delivered a reading.

The state flag was at half mast Friday, in Seeman's honor at the state capitol and at public buildings in Vienna, Fairfax City and Fairfax County.  Also, the Fairfax County flag was ordered at half mast Friday in her honor. Some town offices and classes were closed Friday so that employees could attend the funeral.

Seeman was the wife of the late Rodger W. Seeman; mother of Tom Seeman, Bill Seeman (Kathleen) and Linda Colbert (Mike); sister of Susan Massie; sister-in-law of Sam and Janice Froetschner; and grandmother of Jaclyn, Mitchell and Matthew Seeman and Hannah and Heather Colbert.

Seeman was to be buried Friday at Flint Hill Cemetery in Oakton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society , 124 Park St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180 or the Vienna Rotary Club, P.O. Box 545, Vienna, VA 22183.