Cecelia Marie Furman

Cecelia Marie Schlegel Furman passed away on October 27, 2022, in Cary, NC. Cecelia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, beauty queen, registered nurse and friend to many. Cecelia left this world at peace, surrounded by her family. Preparations are underway for Cecelia’s celebration-of-life gathering to take place later in 2023. Cecelia is survived by her five children, Robert Furman, Theresa Real (Patrick), Martin Furman (Jill), Kevin Furman (Tracy) and Mary Hall (Bill). She was also survived by her much-loved grandchildren: Rob, Daniel, Nick, Emily, Kevin, Ian, Abbie, Max, Anastasia, Ansley and Joshua, and her great grandchildren Briella and Arleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Brooke Furman Jr. (Bob) and her parents Mary Sondey Schlegel and Anthony Schlegel. Cecelia graduated from New Hanover High School then completed her Associate’s Degree at UNC Wilmington and earned her Nursing Degree at Mercy College in Charlotte NC. Cecelia worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years at the practice of Heber M. Johnson MD and Ramesh Shah MD at Cape Fear Obstetrics and Gynecology in Wilmington, NC. Born to a farming family in Castle Hayne NC and daughter of Polish immigrants, Cecelia learned at an early age the value of hard work and the joys that come from her labors. While training with the Sister’s of Mercy for a career in nursing, Cecelia met Bob Furman at a college social. After completing her studies Cecelia and Bob married and settled in Castle Hayne to begin their life of thirty-nine years together. Cecelia worked full time for most of the early years of family life. Cecelia was a tireless caregiver, dedicating her career to caring for child-bearing mothers of the community as well as nursing the needs to anyone who sought her aid. Cecelia is remembered as a loving and compassionate mother. Her holiday gatherings were legendary for their abundance of food, cheer, singing and laughter. A celebration-of-life gathering will take place in mid-2023, to include a funeral mass at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Castle Hayne, NC, followed by a family gathering for Cecelia’s internment alongside her husband Bob. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Cecelia’s honor.

Cecelia Marie Furman

March 31, 1937 - October 27, 2022