Cecile SOWELL

GLOUCESTER - During the evening of Sept. 30, 2010, Cecile C. Sowell, 92, passed away at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Va.
Born in Swanton, Vt., on Aug. 9, 1918, Cecile resided in Massachusetts and Connecticut before residing in Springfield, Va., for more than 50 years. She moved to Southeastern Virginia in 2002 and resided at York Convalescent for the last year and a half.
Cecile is survived by her daughter, Charlene Herold (Bruce) of Fairfax; her son, Robert Sowell (Robin) of Gloucester; her sister, Anita Settles (Eugene) of Nicholasville, Ky.; grandchildren, Michelle, Melody, Andrew, Gary and Cherie; one great-grandchild, Kayla; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Corinne Charbonneau; her daughter, Charlotte A. Sowell Fairchild; her sister, Albertine Stone; and brothers, Leo, Ernest, Roger, Maurice and Paul Charbonneau.
Cecile spoke French until she entered school. Having embraced the English Language, she was a voracious reader and excelled in spelling contest both as a child and later as a senior citizen. She loved poetry and often quoted pieces that she remember from childhood. Cecile always had a strong work ethic and commitment to her family. During the great Depression, at the age of 14, she helped her family make ends meet by cleaning other families' houses during the week and returning home to her family on the week ends.
During WWII Cecile worked in a munitions factory in Waterbury, Conn., for three years, making bullet shells for the cause. After the war she was employed as a Secretary for the Defense Department at the Pentagon. She eventually became an Analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency until retirement. While with DIA, she was stationed at the American Embassy in Saigon during the Vietnam War. She also was stationed at the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium during her employment.
Cecile loved to travel with family, friends or alone if necessary. She was devoted to her family and the many friends she made around the world. She made friends very easily by the use of her extremely quick wit, her smile, and genuine love inside of her. She could and did connect with young and old alike during her entire life, all the way to the time of her death. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff members at Sanders Assisted Living, Sanders Convalescent, Gloucester House, and York Convalescent for the time, caring and love they all gave. The family is certain that she returned the same to each and every one who cared for her. The family would also like to give their appreciation to the personnel in the telemetry and Hospice Units at Mary Immaculate Hospital for their dedication and care.
The family request that donations be made to the Knights of Columbus #9428, 6262 main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061. All proceeds will be donated to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, Va.
The family will receive friends at Andrews Funeral home in Gloucester on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Therese Roman Catholic Church in Gloucester on Wednesday at 11 a.m. by the Rev. James Cowles. Burial will be at Fairfax Memorial Park on Braddock Road in Fairfax on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, at 11 a.m.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, Va. is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.