Eva Tabar Seeley, died December 30, 2023 at the age of 100.  She was born in Chicago on June 21, 1923, to recent immigrant parents Elizabeth and Nick Tabor.  She had an older sister, Betty, and younger brother, John making her the "middle child." Eve had many anecdotes supporting the injustices of this position in the family. She thrived in the city, growing up speaking both English and German, riding bikes to the lake and visiting aunts and uncles on their farm in St Louis in the summer. Later, the family bought a store in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin where she enjoyed working and playing at the lake. She was a competitive diver in school and a strong swimmer, often giving lessons later in life.

Always a hard worker, she graduated a semester early from high school and was hired as an assistant in a major insurance company. She often spoke with pride of the thrill of working in the Wrigley Building with its views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

During her senior year in high school, she caught the eye of a Montana boy, Nelson "Jack" Seeley, who had moved in with friends across the street. Eve was fascinated with his stories of growing up in the wild west of Baker, MT. They enjoyed dancing to the big bands that performed in the city and saw them all, including a young Frank Sinatra.

After accepting Jack's proposal, Eve had 6 days to plan their wedding before Jack was called up for duty in July of 1943. A daunting feat at any time but complicated by the rationing of meat and sugars.  Family and friends were able to join ranks and ration cards to put on a full meal with a band. The couple enjoyed a three-day honeymoon in Lake Geneva before Jack reported to duty.

Eve continued excelling at work, moving up to executive assistant and saving a good portion of Jack's military pay hoping to buy a house after the war, and continued working when Jack returned from duty.  He and Eve then had two children, Linda and Rex.

In 1958, the family moved to Helena due to Jack's job and Eve immersed herself as a full-time wife, mother, and community member. She was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She joined numerous local clubs and benevolent organizations. She was active in the Welcome Wagon and Esther Circle of the First Presbyterian Church. She served as president of the Deaconess and Florence Crittenton Guild, as well as the YWCA. She learned to play bridge in Helena, which became a favorite pastime. She was a sharp player in several bridge groups until her late 90's, playing in one group for over 50 years. She was a master knitter, teaching classes at the old Hennessey's yarn department. She joined several bowling leagues and golfed at Green Meadow Country Club. She was a great cook who loved entertaining.  There was always an extra space at the table and drink available to any friend or family that came by.

During their time in Helena Jack and Eve purchased the Park Avenue Apartments, The Blackstone Apartments and many rental houses. In 1971, they purchased the Iron Front Hotel and began the arduous process of restoring every room in the three-story hotel. They worked diligently to receive the Historic Registry designation for the 1885 building. Past renters still remark about Eve's fierce but kind management, gaining her a great deal of respect from all.  Eve was very involved in the success of these buildings, managing the books meticulously all by hand!  Jack's job then took them to Phoenix for two years where they made many friends and enjoyed the desert lifestyle.

Returning to Helena in 1966, Jack and Eve began traveling the world with the Montana Friendship Force in the 1970's.  They later accompanied daughter Linda on her student tours to Europe and Australia. Eve was a kind and enthusiastic traveler and students loved her. She became everyone's grandmother. She and Jack bought a 26' motorhome that they drove from Helena to Alaska and back for their 50th wedding anniversary. They also took an Alaska cruise for their 75th.  She also took several wonderful trips to Europe with dear friend MaryAnn Fiehrer. They loved Ireland and everyone they met became a friend.

Eve took a part time job in the late 60's as head of the Senate steno pool during two sessions of the legislature. She loved the hustle and bustle and was proud of the turnaround time of her staff as they manually typed (with carbon copies) volumes of bills.

Her children and grandchildren were her passion.  She loved taking them to the Parrot for ice cream or with her to bowling league. She and Dad traveled all over Montana attending athletic events or theatre performances. She cultivated and nourished her friendships and was always available to listen or help with any problem. This continued with her seven great grandchildren who often visited her just to talk.

Eve had an exciting and colorful life with adventure and plenty of luck. She loved gambling and trips to Wendover and Deadwood and always came home with money from her favorite slots. If there was a raffle, you knew Eve would win. Once, she won a new Honda Civic wagon and was even chosen off the street to be a contestant on a game show!

A huge animal lover, she attracted dogs, cats, tropical birds and wildlife to her kind soul. She trained a squirrel from her back yard, Charley, to eat out of her hand and come to her when she called. Later she became a favorite of the neighbors' dog and cat who visited several times a day. She had been feeding backyard rabbits for the last three years, asking just a few days ago if someone was filling their dish.

The family always enjoyed the story of mom's first trip to Yugoslavia with her mother and older sister. Eve was just 3-year's old with a head of golden curls. While shopping in the village, she disappeared. Her mother and grandmother were frantically looking until someone spotted her sitting on the back of a gypsy wagon being driven out of town! Her mother chased after the wagon to retrieve her. And thank goodness she did or none of us would have been so deeply impacted by the amazing legacy Eve has left in her family and the Helena community.

She was preceded in death by her husband Nelson Seeley, sister Betty, brother John and dear friends Mary Jane O'Neill and Doris Pickolick.

She is survived by daughter Linda and son, Rex (Kathy) Seeley. Grandchildren Rhett (Kim) Buckland, Tara (Peter) Johnson, Nick (Samie) Seeley and Dr. Ann (Zach) MacQuarrie, brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Joyce Bruce and several nieces and nephews. She has seven great grandchildren, Tanner, Makayla and Khloe Buckland, Jack, Seeley and Scarlett Johnson and Miles Seeley.

The family thanks the staff at Edgewood who loved and cared for her during the last year of her life. She was so proud of the celebration they had for her 100th birthday. She will be missed by dear friends Mary Ann and Danny Fiehrer, Pat Hogberg, Jean Faulstich, Christine Christianson and many others.

Eve will be interred with her husband at Fort Harrison Cemetery. Please join us for a celebration of her life at the Myrna Loy Center, 15 N. Ewing, on Tuesday February 20 from 1-3 pm. Memorials can be made to the Nelson Seeley Men's Basketball Scholarship at Carroll College.

Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. Remembrances and condolences may be sent to the family at simplecremationmt.com.