WILMINGTON — Born in Lebanon, Ky., on January 8, 1926, Frances “Cecelia” Abell Šebik, 92, passed away Monday, March 12, 2018. She was blessed to be one of six children raised by loving and faithful Catholic
parents, James Lawrence and Theresa Althaire Abell.
Growing up on a farm, Cecelia learned the value of hard work, family and faith. These values guided Cecelia in the most important work of her life — wife and mother.
In 1962, Cecelia and Augustin “Gus” Šebik married and started their family of five. Living in 10 states over 13 years, the family settled in Wilmington in 1975. Trained as a financial secretary, among other places, she worked for many years at Temple Baptist Church, the Wilmington Presbytery and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
At the center of her life, underscoring every decision, was Cecelia’s deep faith in and love for Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic church. It was this faith that Cecelia and Gus instilled in their children, and now by extension in their 12 grandchildren. A member of St. Mary and, most recently, St. Therese Catholic Church, Cecelia was known for her attendance at daily Mass, her love of Eucharistic adoration, and in the last many years, her service as the founder of a bereavement ministry. She also served the church as a Third Order Carmelite for several decades.
She loved traveling, gardening and visiting with her many friends. An excellent cook and hostess, fond memories of fried chicken, biscuits, and Sunday pot roasts keep our hearts full, if not our bellies.
Always remembering her old Kentucky home, she enjoyed the Kentucky Derby. Cecelia loved her Carolina Tar Heels, and reminded them constantly that “defense wins championships.”
A loving mother and devoted grandmother, Cecelia is survived by her brother, James Lawrence Abell Jr.; daughters and son, Anna Stone, Joseph (Nicole) Šebik, Theresa (William) Van Pilsum, Elizabeth Šebik and Mary (Jonathan) Rhyne; 12 grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) and Adam Stone, Lane and E.J. Šebik; Elizabeth, Cate, Maria, Jane and Ben Van Pilsum and Marissa, Katie, and Jacob Rhyne; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
The family invites friends to join them for a rosary service at 6 p.m., and will receive visitors from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Friday, March 16, at Andrews Mortuary, College Road. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Wrightsville Beach, with interment to follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Wilmington Catholic Radio.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
