MADISON - Cecilia Francis Bethel passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2024. In just four days she would have been 103.

Cecilia was born on November 28, 1921, at home in Madison. She was the daughter of John M. and Johanna M. (Weber) Skolaski. She grew up in a large family with ten brothers and sisters on a small farm at the south end of Park Street. She was known as a kind and generous soul.

Cecilia attended St. James Grade School, walking three miles each way, and graduated from Madison West High School in 1940. Upon graduation she and her many friends worked at Woolworths on the Square.

Cecilia married Lee Bethel on February 5, 1944, at St. James Catholic Church. They were married for 71 years and were blessed with six children.

At a young age she became a very talented seamstress and at age 12 she had stitched a beautiful christening gown for one of her nieces. Over the course of her life, Cecilia made hundreds of potholders, hot pads, coasters, table runners, wall hangers, as well as a total of 401 quilts. All stitched with love.

In 1963, Lee and Cecilia moved from Beloit to Monona and became lifelong members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church as well as beloved members of the community. Cecilia was very active in the church, making many costumes for school performances and donating sewn goods for church use and raffles.

Walking was a big part of her day. At age 91 she still walked three miles every day. Cecilia loved a party, and even took part in the dancing to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Cecilia is survived by her children, Glen (Linda) Bethel of Palo Alto, Rodney (Leslie Mink) Bethel of Sauk City, Gary (Linda, deceased) Bethel of Madison, Dennis (Susan Lee) Bethel of Lodi, and Judy (Bill) Clark of Stoughton; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; all ten brothers and sisters; and daughter, Carolyn J. Bethel (4 months).

She was deeply loved by her entire family.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Cecilia Bethel

November 28, 1921 - November 24, 2024

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