Mary Lee Sauermann

Born in Chicago, IL, May 29, 1928. Passed away in Dallas, Texas, on October 27, 2012. Mary Lee, daughter of Dr. Leo Seidner D.D.S. and Anna Lee Matheny Seidner, grew up along Chicago’s North Shore, attending schools in Hubbard Woods, Ravinia, Highland Park and Lake Forrest. All but one of Mary Lee’s college years were spent at State University of Iowa, where she received her B.A. degree and Certificate in Journalism, in 1950. While at SUI, Mary Lee performed in theatrical productions, hosted a program on WSUI, and served as Organizations Editor of the 1950 SUI yearbook. She was also a member of Theta Sigma Phi journalism honorary and Chi Omega. Following college, Mary Lee began her career as copywriter/broadcaster for radio stations in Iowa, Idaho, and Texas. Her early radio experiences, in addition to writing commercials, included disc jockey duties, hosting a children’s show, and interviewing visiting “Big Band” leaders. In 1953, her women’s show, at an award-winning station in Idaho, received a complimentary write-up in “Variety” magazine. Settling in Dallas in 1954, Mary Lee held copywriting jobs at two ad agencies, before becoming Continuity Director at WRR, in the late ‘50s. During this period, she also became involved in volunteer work with Big Sisters of Dallas, Inc, and Operation Lift. In 1957, Mary Lee married Don J. Sauermann, whom she originally met through Little Theatre work in Burlington, Iowa. When they married, Don was in the process of opening his own one-man ad agency, Sauermann Productions, through which he eventually became a familiar figure in radio and television throughout North Texas. It was in the ‘60s, after their sons were born, that Mary Lee returned to her writing – this time at home – creating quips and light verse, which she sold to Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest, The Dallas Morning News Sunday Magazine, and other national and regional publications. When their sons began school, Mary Lee again turned her attention to volunteer work, focusing on Cub Scouts, P.T.A., and room mother duties. Other volunteer commitments followed, including tutoring inner-city school children and assisting in English classes for refugees. Through the years, Mary Lee continued to maintain relationships with old friends – some from as far back as grade school. Friends made during her later years were equally cherished. Mary Lee was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Truman and Loyal Seidner; and her beloved husband, Don J. Sauermann. She is survived by her son, Albert Sauermann, Dallas; son Mike Sauermann and daughter-in-law Stephanie, Bainbridge, Island, WA; and two grandchildren, Georgia and Henry Sauermann. She is also survived by Albert’s adopted sons Miguel and Guillo Cordero, Miguel’s wife Michelle and their children Alyssa and Mateo. A graveside service for Mary Lee will be held on Wednesday, October 31, at 11am, at Calvary Hill Cemetery, with Rev. Aaron White officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Carter Center, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30307-1496, or to the charity of your choice