Clear, 71° F
(Nov. 17, 2000)
Word has been received here of the Nov. 17 death in Tujunga, Calif., of Marie Seyler Heydorff, 93, the last surviving member of one of Powell's pioneer families. She was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on Aug. 16, 1907, to James H. and Marie B. Seyler. In 1910, Mr. Seyler, a professional musician, decided to move his family from Minnesota to a 40-acre homestead on the Powell Flat.
He went ahead of his family to make arrangements. Mrs. Seyler and her three daughters, Ruth, Claire and Marie, joined him in March, 1911, full of hope and excitement for the life that was ahead in Wyoming. Four months later, Mr. Seyler drowned in an accident on the Shoshone River. A fourth daughter, Corinne, was born three weeks after the tragedy. Mrs. Seyler carried on with the homestead, raising the family alone. Marie Seyler was graduated from Powell High School in 1924.
She spent her adult years in Southern California. She was a Registered Nurse and worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power until 1961 when she retired and was married to Lucian Heydorff.
The Heydorffs made their home in Glendale, Calif. Mr. Heydorff preceded her in death in September, 1998. Mrs. Heydorff remained in the Glendale home until illness forced her into a convalescent hospital three months prior to her death.
Survivors include stepson Paul Heydorff of Crystal Cove, Nev.; nieces Claire McLouth of Circle, Mont., and Shirley Wofford of Monclair, Calif.; nephew Lewis Mathers of Philadelphia, Pa.; a step-grandson and several grand nieces and nephews.
