Cecelia DeBruyn

Cecelia DeBruyn was a kind and compassionate woman who always looked out for others. Whether it was her own family, her friends, or her neighbors, Ceil could be counted on to know all the latest news – and to be ready to lend a helping hand if it was needed. Ceil’s kind heart, easygoing personality and curiosity in the world around her will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched; she was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

For most Americans, the Roaring Twenties were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio and increasing consumerism. Cecelia Eleanore was born in the beginning of this exciting decade, on October 24, 1921, to proud parents Edward and Belle (Milanowski) Olbinski.

“Ceil,” as she was often called, grew up on a dairy farm in Belmont, Michigan, with siblings Edward (“Eddie”), Wilma, Christine (“Teen”), and Maxine (“Micky”). Although there were some lean times in her childhood years, Ceil had plenty of fun with her siblings as well. In later years, she would reminisce about passing hot summer days by swimming in nearby ponds. There was also a tornado one year, which left Ceil with a lifelong fear of storms. When the time came for Ceil to go to school, she was enrolled in the Belmont school system, where she attended classes through the eighth grade.

Ceil’s first husband was a man named Harry Post, who had grown up in the same neighborhood. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Ceil was delighted to become the mother of two children. Ceil later found the man she would spend the rest of her life with in Richard “Butch” DeBruyn. Ceil and Butch fell in love, married and were soon blessed with a daughter of their own. The happy couple raised their family in a home on Belmont Road. In addition to raising the kids and keeping her house neat as a pin, Ceil also worked part-time for many years at a Laundromat on Michigan Avenue. She enjoyed talking to the customers and her easygoing, friendly personality made her popular with other staff members. For vacations, Ceil and Butch enjoyed renting a cottage on Crooked Lake.

Once they had both retired, Ceil and Butch started spending their winters down south, first in Florida and later in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They had several good friends there and made many happy memories each year. Ceil was always ready to come home in the spring, however – she missed spending time with her daughters. She also looked forward to seeing her grandchildren and loved spending time with the younger generation.

Back at home, Ceil enjoyed crocheting and making afghans, which she almost always gave away to friends and family. She was a current events buff and liked to keep up with both the newspapers and events in her own neighborhood (she was a true neighborhood watch!). Ceil could often be spotted sitting on her porch enjoying the weather and chatting with any neighbors who passed by. She was also a longtime member of the Casino Club, where she often bowled with friends.

Sadly, Ceil’s beloved companion Butch eventually began to suffer from several health issues. Ceil cared for him faithfully, and thanks to her care, he was able to remain in their home almost until his final days. In the last few months, Ceil herself began to need additional care and moved to Vista Springs

Mrs. Cecelia Eleanore “Ceil” DeBruyn died on May 1, 2013, at the age of 91. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Butch" DeBruyn; and her granddaughter, Kayelynne Coselmon. Ceil’s family includes her daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Don Cavner, Judy Groom, Gayle and Earl Bennett; her grandchildren, Don (Caprice) Cavner, Dana White, Doug (Barb) Groom, Rob (Kerrie) Groom, Brian Coselmon, Jamie Bennett; great grandchildren Kyle, Travis, Mackenzi and Connor Groom, and Cody Coselmon; her sister, Wilma Harris; and several nieces and nephews.

Ceil’s funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 6, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, where friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Odyssey Hospice are appreciated. Please visit Ceil’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.