Agnes W. (Knowles) Sekel

     Mrs. Agnes W. Sekel, 93, formerly of Northampton Street, Kingston, passed peacefully into glory Thursday morning, April 11th, in the care of Mercy Center, Dallas, where she had resided for the past five years.

     Born October 6, 1925 in the borough of Blackburn, Lancashire County, England, she was the only child to the late William and Katherine (Moxime) Knowles.  She was educated in the Great Britain schools.

     In her youth, and following her formal education, Mrs. Sekel worked for the F.M. Woolworth Company in Blackburn as a window dresser and at the candy counter.  It was here she would eventually meet her beloved late husband, Mr. John Milan Sekel who was stationed in England, serving with the United States Army Air Corps during the Second World War.

     The two would form a courtship which would lead to Agnes becoming a "war bride" relocating with her newly-wed husband to the United States, following his honorable discharge from military duties on March 29, 1946.

     Following the couple settling in Kingston, they began their own family, being blessed with three wonderful children. 

     Agnes did not sit idle while raising her children and being a meticulous housewife.  She previously was employed by the former J.S. Raub Shoe Company.  Later in life she became a sales lady working her way to regional manager for Sarah Coventry Jewelry, enlisting the assistance of her husband who proved to be her best sales associate.  Her tenure with the jewelry business garnered her many awards and achievements for her selling prowess over the years.

     Mrs. Sekel was a devoted and cherished member of Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Wilkes-Barre.  Previously, she was active with the ladies Dorcas Guild at church and also held membership in the local chapter of the British Women's Club.

     She is remembered as being a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her adoring family.  Her British heritage could be experienced in the traditions she employed while raising her children or that soft trace of English accent that remained with her throughout her lifetime.  She will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life.

     She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John on November 14, 1998.  At the time of his passing, the couple shared fifty-three years of married life together.

     Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are her children; John David Sekel and his wife, the former Lucille Crease of Reading; Robert Keith Sekel and his wife, the former Lisa Medwick of Dallas and Sandra Diane Hopple and her husband Rick of Larksville;  Grandchildren, including John Michael Sekel, his wife Lisa and their children Brynn and John; Angela Sekel and her children Xavier and Deja Lyn; Matthew Hopple, his wife Erin and their children Nolan and Sloane; Jeffrey and Mallory Hopple;  Several nieces, nephews, fellow congregants and dear friends.

     Agnes' family would like to gratefully acknowledge the staff of Mercy Center for the care and compassion shown their mother and family members during her stay these past five years, especially in her final days.

     Funeral services for Mrs. Sekel will be conducted on Monday at 12:00 noon from the North Wilkes-Barre location of the John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc., 625 North Main Street.  The Reverend Peter D. Haenftling, pastor, will serve as celebrant and leader of worship.

     Interment with the rite of committal will follow next to her husband in Mount Greenwood Cemetery, Pioneer Avenue,  Shavertown section of Kingston Township.

     Relatives and friends may join the Sekel family for visitation and remembrances Monday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services directly at the funeral home.

     In lieu of floral tributes, Agnes' family would be humbled if those contemplating a monetary contribution in her memory, kindly give consideration to Mercy Center, P.O. Box #370, Dallas, Pennsylvania 18612.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Agnes W. (Knowles) Sekel, please visit our floral store.