July 4, 1927 — July 10, 2014

B. Ceil Schikora, 87, of Niles, died on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at her home unexpectedly, but of natural causes.

She was born July 4, 1927, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to John and Catherine (McGovern) Derek.

Ceil was a clerk for the Farmington and then Niles Post Office for many years. She was a member of Saint Mark Catholic Church in Niles and enjoyed Bible study and playing cards with her friends at the Four Flags Plaza in Niles. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and greatly valued her independence.

In 1946 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Ceil married Paul R. Schikora.

Surviving family includes their daughters, Catherine (Bruce) Sayer of Niles and Bernadette (Ron) Hanlin of Lexington, South Carolina; siblings Rita C. Derek, of Latrope, Pennsylvania and Cyril “Jeff” Derek, of Latrope, Pennsylvania. Ceil is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael Dean, Jr. of Colorado, Jeremy (Jennie) Dean of Orion Township, Michigan, Max, Maren and Mitch Schikora of Walled Lake, Michigan, Matt Sayer, Tim (Melissa) Sayer, all of Niles; great-grandchildren, Bree, Timmy and Blake Sayer, Karly Dean; many nieces and nephews and former daughter-in-law Lizan Marshick.

Ceil was preceded in death by two sons, Paul Raymond, Jr. and Christopher Schikora; grandson, Aaron Sayer; great-grandson Robert Paul; a brother, Charles “Bud” Derek; sisters, Theresa Derek, Josephine Macey, Pauline Jackson, Collette “Patchie” Zeglin, Cassie Zverblis, Marie “Pinkie” Joyce, Jeanie Hile; all brothers-in-law; sister-in-law Barbara (Cyril) Derek and former husband Paul and his wife Marion.

The mass of Christian burial for B. Ceil Schikora will be celebrated at 11 a.m Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at Saint Mark Catholic Church, Niles, by The Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C. of the church. Committal rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with recitation of the rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Donations in memory of Ceil may be made to Saint Mark Church, Niles or the organization of choice.

The Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.

www.halbritterfunerals.com