Cecil, LaVerna Mae 'Mo'

LaVerna Mae “Mo” Cecil

LaVerna Mae Cecil passed away peacefully at the Carolina House of Chapel Hill on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013. LaVerna was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Feb. 12, 1920. She was the daughter of Anton and Mary Drapela.

She was married to Duane A. Cecil in 1940, who preceded her in death in 1987. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Leon; and daughter-in-law, Diana Blue Cecil.

She is survived by her son, Jon D. Cecil (Janice) of Peoria, Ill.; and her daughter, Toniann Glatz (Russ) of Chapel Hill, N.C.; as well as four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and extended foreign families in Switzerland and Ireland.

While living in Cedar Rapids, LaVerna was a very active member of the El-Kahir Shrine Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile where she was Queen in 1965. She was also a Red Cross volunteer for over 50 years and worked for Handicapped Systems. She moved to Chapel Hill in 2001 to live with her daughter and joined the Carrboro United Methodist Church.

LaVerna's first love was her family. She took pride in every one of them and spread her love among them all. She loved to cook, enjoyed shopping and loved to travel. She charmed all she met, whether it was the ladies from her varied activities, members of her church or the wonderful staff of the Carolina House that took such good care of her. LaVerna embraced life and will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Carrboro United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Carrboro United Methodist Church, Hospice of Wake County or The American Red Cross.

Online condolences may be sent to .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 9, 2013.