Madeline "Matt" Putty Seel

Madeline “Matt” Putty Seel entered this world on November 6, 1944, in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, the youngest of four children born to the late George and Lillian Putty. On December 4, 2025, she traded this life for her eternal home, no doubt arriving with that trademark confidence and a beautiful smile.

At a very young age, Matt accepted Christ at Galilee Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA and was active in various committees and auxiliaries. She was also a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Straughter Carter VFW Post in Roxborough.

Matt was educated in the Philadelphia School District. In 1962, she married Arthur Seel, and together they traveled to France and Germany, where their first child, Jacque, was born. They later welcomed two sons, Tony and Kevin. In 1969, Matt took her talents to Albany, NY, and was later blessed with her baby girl, Donya Martin.

Matt worked for the City of Albany for over 20 years and retired as a Treasury Clerk. If you knew her back then, chances are she either made you laugh, straightened you out, or, if she really liked you, helped get you out of a parking ticket. She retired from the City of Albany with a legacy of loyalty, service, and a whole lot of stories.

Matt was the definition of community in motion. She made an indelible impression on her neighbors, friends and all who came in contact with her. She had a special, no-nonsense friendship with former Mayor Jerry Jennings, and made sure to “keep it real.” She was also inducted into the Order of the Eastern Star and was a Daughter of Mystic Chapter. If you knew Matt, you knew she moved through Albany with a presence you couldn’t ignore.

Matt started the Neighborhood Watch in Robinson Square, worked the voting polls with enthusiasm, and somehow still found the time, and energy, to organize community clean-up days. When folks told her, “Matt, we don’t own these properties, we rent,” she simply said, “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you - keep your property clean!” Her dedication to community was unmatched, her faith was unwavering, and her heart for people showed in everything she did.

Matt loved cats, gardening, being in her yard, and loved music with her whole soul. If Gladys Knight’s “Neither One of Us” or Freddie Jackson’s “Jam Tonight” came on, you knew to move out the way, because Matt was going to bop and sing. A proud Philadelphia Eagles fan in a city full of Giants and Cowboys, she wore her green with unwavering confidence, and a little extra attitude!

Matt loved to cook, loved to clean, and could have easily been an interior decorator or, honestly, a high-level coordinator for FEMA. Her communication skills were unmatched; if Matt wanted something done, consider it handled. Her energy was unstoppable, her presence unforgettable, and her influence undeniable.

Matt’s passing is preceded by her parents and her brother George Clinton Putty.

Madeline leaves to cherish her memories: her four children, Jacque Seel, Tony Seel (Rashida) of Philadelphia, PA, Kevin Seel (Fonda) of Albany, NY, and Donya Martin of Philadelphia, PA. Seven grandchildren, Shadira Seel, Jalen Seel, Zaria Estes, Tone Seel, Kevin Seel II, and Ian Seel. Three great-grandchildren, Cianni, Kyrie, and CiRyah. Her two sisters, her Swinging Sis, Elizabeth Cooper (late Robert Cooper, Sr.) and Alice Walker; one sister-in-law, Lillian Putty and all from Philadelphia, PA. She also leaves behind the father of her children and her first love, Arthur Seel and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Newcomer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, New York 12205 from 9:00am to 11:00pm with a celebration of life to begin at 11:00pm. Burial will follow the service at Graceland Cemetery, 680 Delaware Ave, Albany, NY 12209

Lovingly Submitted, The Family