BANGOR and HOWLAND – Maria Cecilia (Auclair) Sereyko, 83, died July 22, 2009, at a Bangor health facility after a short illness. Cecilia was born Sept. 29, 1925, in St. Quentin, New Brunswick, to Levite Auclair and Corinne Vautour. Cecilia moved to Howland in 1946 and began working at Atlas Plywood Co. Here she met Henry Sereyko, and they eventually were married May 6, 1946. Cecilia resided in Howland for nearly 60 years. Cecilia found strength every day from her devotion to her family, her church and her community. She was a devoted member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, and a longtime member of The Ladies of St. Anne and The Daughters of Isabella. She also served for many years as chairman for March of Dimes in her community, where she took an active role in the fight against birth defects. Cecilia was a talented seamstress and quilter who taught adult education classes in Howland for 27 years. In addition to her many years of sharing her talents within her community, Cecilia made many wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, wedding cakes, ceremonial garments for the altar and priests of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, and countless other items for her children, family and friends. For her grandchildren she found joy in designing a Baptismal gown, First Communion dresses and even a suit for her grandson’s First Communion. Many Easter dresses were made during the years and worn with pride. Cecilia also enjoyed quilt making and has blessed many with her beautiful hand-sewn quilts. She was very proud of her Dresden plate quilt that won first place at the state of Maine Division I Class A contest and went on to compete at the national level. She enjoyed knitting, making hand-sewn teddy bears, and Raggedy Ann and Andy’s. She loved making doll clothes for her daughter and for her granddaughter’s American Girls. Her handmade gifts were always a pleasure to receive and will be preserved and cherished for many years. Cecilia is survived by a son, Walter McGinn and his wife, Jeannine Richard, of St. John, New Brunswick; a son, Kurt and his wife, Debbie, of Howland; a daughter, Terri Post and her husband, Tom, of Kennebunk; her grandchildren, Betsey Audibert of Maryland, Lea Harper of Argyle, Alana Post of Portland, Dylan Post of Bangor, Eliza and Audrey Post of Kennebunk; her sisters, Theresa Rossell of Zephyrhills, Fla., and Enfield, and Rita Chesley of Bangor; her brother, Andre Auclair of Laterriere, Quebec; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Sereyko; and her brothers, Aurele and Patrick Auclair. Family and friends may visit 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. July 24 at Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Howland. Burial will be at St. Matthew’s Cemetery, West Enfield. For an online guest register and to leave written condolences, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
CECILIA SEREYKO
