Nancy J. Cecil

Nancy Cecil, 82, passed away July 5, 2023, after a brief illness.  Nancy was a resident of Kendal at Oberlin with her husband of 61 years, Dick Cecil.  Nancy grew up in Lorain and was a member of Girl Scouts, Rainbow for Girls, National Honor Society and played clarinet in the marching band.  Nancy graduated from Lorain High School and attended Bowling Green State University.  It was here, 65 years ago, that she and Dick met and dated before marrying in 1962.  Nancy received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and taught first grade before moving to Avon Lake and starting a family.

Nancy met life-long friends in Avon Lake through her women’s circle at United Church of Christ and through her Bridge Club.  She was an active mother of 3 and a dedicated volunteer.  She split her time between carpools, managing a household, and leadership.  Many of her children’s friends remember Nancy from Sunday school, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, band boosters, swim meets, gymnastics, or sitting in the kitchen listening to them talk into the night.  

Nancy’s compassion and energy for others didn’t stop after the family ate dinner.  She served on the church board, PTA at the local and district levels and moved into community work.  Nancy shared her skills with the Human Resources Board, Community Action Team, Ecumenical Council, and as advisor to the Mayor’s Youth Commission.

With all she did for others, Nancy was also thinking about ways to relax.  She looked forward to  her time with bridge club, shopping with friends, a day at Linwood beach, orchestra and opera season, and planning the next vacation.  The Cecil Family has memories of the many trips over the years and is blessed with the scrapbooks that Nancy made to document each journey.

Nancy’s love of music and dolls became a way for her and Dick to start a business. “Love is in the Aire” sold dolls, music boxes and teddy bears.  In time, they migrated from gifts to antique furniture.  They took buying trips in search of “deals”.  Nancy’s skills and care for each refined piece was evident.  The Cecils’ business was respected, among dealers and customers, for integrity, quality and price.  

They moved back to Lorain for a dream home for grandchildren.  Nancy loved being Grammy to her 8 grandchildren!  They had sleepovers, movies, and reading time.  They enjoyed outings to afternoon tea, the library, and swimming.   She shared her love of decorating the house for every holiday and handing out gifts.  She and Dick loved setting up the Easter egg hunts, taking the kids on trips to Memphis Kiddie Park, attending recitals, concerts, athletic meets, and graduations.  In more recent years, she found much pleasure talking with her grandchildren about the changes happening in their lives.  She sent them a card for every holiday.

The cards were another way that Nancy extended herself to others.  Nancy sent cards to many friends and family for every holiday, care or concern.    After moving to Kendal, her card ministry continued and she  and Dick began receiving notes and cards from Kendal residents.  The warm messages, riddles and “mice” brought Nancy great joy.  She found an opportunity to sew at Kendal and was truly delighted to mend clothing for her neighbors or stitch together something special for a program.  She enjoyed flower arranging and served with Dick on the house committee. Nancy’s life at Kendal was enriched with a bridge group, Sunday concerts, her’s and Dick’s weekly Monday visit with friends, and their Friday pinochle game.  Nancy and Dick took daily walks through the halls to exercise and connect with others.  She also loved to shop in the Kendal thrift store with her kids and grandchildren when they came to visit.    

Nancy is survived by her loving husband Richard, their children Craig Cecil (Angela), Catherine  Sprunger (Kent), and Curt Cecil (Penney), grandchildren Ethan Sprunger (Colleen), David Cecil, Jordan Sprunger, Matthew Cecil, Emma Cecil, Chad Cecil, Molly Cecil, and Christy Cecil.  She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Elva Young (nee Beingesser) and brother Charles Young.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on July 30, at 2:00 p.m., Kendal at Oberlin, 600 Kendal Dr., Oberlin 44074.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian Temple, 940 West 5th Street, Lorain, OH 44052. 

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