AUBURN — Leota B. Seaward, 100, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, with her family by her side, and her mind still sharp ready to recite the Prelude to the Constitution.

She was born in Vassalboro, Oct. 6, 1910, the daughter of Verne and Emma (Taylor) Denico.

Leota was the oldest living resident of Turner and holder of the Boston Cane which she was proud to show at Turner’s recent 4th of July parades. She also looked forward to her 100th birthday party, which she celebrated just this past October with family and friends.

She was also the oldest living graduate of Erskine Academy as a salutatorian of her class in 1929.

She was a homemaker most of her life, but for 20 years was employed at Priscilla Turner Rug Guild. She was a longtime member of Turner Village Baptist Church, the Turner Grange, Pythian Sisters of Turner and Turner Senior Citizens. Her hobbies included crocheting, quilting, knitting, tatting, and also loved to sew. Leota is fondly remembered by her children as the barber of the neighborhood, cutting everyone’s hair.

Survivors include two daughters, Bernice “Bunny” Seaward Gilbert of Turner and Luverne Plourde of Canton; eight grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer W. Seaward in 1988; her two sons, Elmer W. Seaward Jr. and Ronald Elmer Seaward; two sons-in-law, Leighton Gilbert and Evan Plourde.

Over the years, Leota was guardian angel to the Green children of Turner; Janice (Toddy); Alden Jr., Bert, and Alvin. She was also a foster mother to Bernard “Bunny” Brown, now deceased.

Special thanks to the Hospice House aide, Michelle Hawkins and Leota’s granddaughter, Deanna Plourde, and great-granddaughter, Lyndsey Gilbert.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.