Gerda (Hagner) Seeland

Gerda Seeland passed away peacefully in her home on April 28, 2025 after a two and a half year journey with declining cognitive impairment, which was ignited by a severe hemorrhagic stroke. She was a radiant, passionate, courageous, and charming woman who lived 87 years with dignity and grace. She died comfortably overlooking her stunning garden and surrounded by family and friends with the help of Mountain Valley Hospice in-home care. Gerda lived her life to the fullest, traveling the globe and enjoying good food, wine, symphony, opera, chorale, art, tennis, skiing and gardening. She especially enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and her large circle of friends. Her children and her grandchildren were the love of her life. 

Gerda grew up in Böckingen, Germany, near Heilbronn, and was raised by her parents, Caroline Schnepf and Wilhelm Hagner, with her sister Hilde, eleven years her senior, five aunts, two uncles and many cousins, who all lived within blocks of one another. She and Helene Unkauf, her cousin and best friend, were inseparable and attended the girl’s circle at church, sang in the church choir, and enjoyed folk dancing. Their mothers were heroines, and despite the war, they never felt poor, because they were able to grow a lot of their own food in their nearby gardens.

At age 16 after completing middle school, Gerda entered a business apprenticeship with Frau Förk, the owner of a curtain shop in the city. One day in 1956, Gerda met Allen Jarmon, an American GI, when he came to buy curtains for his barracks. It was love at first sight, and one year later, Gerda traveled by ship to the United States to marry and settle in Burlington, NC. Helene joined Gerda in North Carolina five years after she left her homeland, Germany, and the two have remained like sisters until today.

In 1962, Gerda and Allen brought their first child into the world, Barbara, and two and a half years later, they were surprised with twins, Michelle and Michael. Gerda was an incredible mother to her children, raised them well and was very proud of them.

After 24 years of marriage, tragedy struck. Allen was hit by a car as a pedestrian on the way to the annual family beach trip. He was in a coma for 9 weeks and lived for another one and a half years with severe brain damage until his death in 1985. Gerda and her children were devastated, but unified in their support for each other through these difficult times.

Gerda had established a successful career as a Realtor, was head of the local chapter of Friendship Force, sang in the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorale and choir at Centenary Methodist Church, and was very active in the Triad German Club, where she was the last living Founding member. 

Three years after Allen’s death, on a Friendship Force trip to Hamburg, Germany, Gerda met Herbert Seeland. Again, it was love at first sight, even when she thought this was no longer possible. With stars in her eyes, she married Herbert in 1988, and they embarked on a most remarkable journey together for the next 32 years, traveling extensively, enjoying deep and meaningful friendships, and inspiring their children and grandchildren. They created a beautiful home in Winston-Salem, receiving both Herbert’s and Gerda’s children and grandchildren, and hosting friends throughout their years together. Their 6 grandchildren (Alexa, Bergen, Elizabeth, Cole, Parker, and Stella) were a central joy in their lives.

Gerda’s life is to be celebrated! We find her in the sunrises and sunsets, in the flight of bluebirds, in the vibrant flowers in the gorgeous garden she created and tended until the very end, in the glistening pool, and in the vast sea at Sunset Beach, all of which she enjoyed immensely. She will be deeply missed, and will be with us always. 

Please join us at Centenary United Methodist Church on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM to honor and celebrate Gerda. Memorials may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church or to Mountain Valley Hospice (3069 Trenwest Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103).