Aura Mae Dormer (Baird) Seidensticker

Aura Mae Dormer Seidensticker, 88, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2016, shortly after receiving the Sacrament of Last Rites at her recent Villa Vista residence.

Aura Mae Baird was born on April 23, 1928, to Anna Mae Jacobs and William J. (Red/Shorty) Baird and lived most of her life in Toronto, OH, within a few blocks of where she was born.

She was married in 1948 to John J. Dormer, deceased, who is the father of her five children, who survive – Janis (Mark) Allan of Bloomingdale, OH, Jackie (Paul) Thompson of Columbus, OH, Greg (Christine) Dormer, Claudia Dormer and Dan Dormer all of Toronto. Also surviving are her grandchildren Aaron (Melissa) Dormer and Hollie (Matt) Orr and Goddaughter Luanne Moore, daughter of Aura’s deceased best friend of 82 years, Florence Suffoletta Moore. Aura is also thought of fondly by three step-grandchildren Amy, D’Arcy and Holly and ten great-step-grandchildren, as well as Claudia’s extended family – Derrick Sochor and Stacey Neff and their children. She is also survived by her sister Dorothy Daugherty and favorite nephew ‘Butch’ (Roland L. and Bridgette) Daugherty of Leesburg, FL.

Aura was an active member of St. Francis RC Church in Toronto while her children were young. Like her mother before her, Aura’s passion was playing cards, playing Bridge several times a week until the last few years. Her children’s memories include the values she transferred to them – giving back, self sufficiency and respect for others.

She was an extremely hard worker, holding various jobs while attending Toronto High School, and her early adult years as a switchboard operator and sales clerk for Montgomery Ward where she met her first husband. She worked at the local dress shop, Verna’s, to augment the family income and purchase their first home. She worked at a multitude of other jobs such as newspaper reporter and bank officer when her husband John passed, becoming a single Mom supporting five children still living at home. 

A woman ahead of her time, she was especially admired for being the first woman in Ohio to file and win a discrimination lawsuit against an area bank, enabling women to begin earning equal pay for equal work, and opening doors for women in higher leadership roles.

In 1978 she married Louis J. Seidensticker and together they enjoyed 13 years of marriage in St. Clairsville, traveling and cooking and hosting grand meals until Lou’s death in 1991, when Aura returned to her childhood home in Toronto.

People will be remembering her as strong, self-sufficient, independent woman who’s great joys were playing bridge and pursuing continuing education classes and online activities to keep her mind sharp.

At her request, there is no visitation or viewing planned. However, friends and family will be welcomed at Williams Country Club in Weirton, WV on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11:30 am for a Celebration of Life and lunch hosted by her admiring children.

Aura Mae’s arrangements are in the care of the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto.

Donations may be directed to the Toronto High School Alumni Association PO Box 273 Toronto, OH 43964.

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