Obituary of Cynthia Avery Sekel

Cindy Avery Sekel (née Bradford), died at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL on February 2, 2023 of complications from pneumonia. Cindy was born on October 1, 1958 in Harrisonburg, VA. A collegiate athlete and letterwinner, she attended the University of Georgia on an athletic scholarship and was captain of the 1979 swimming and diving team. After graduating Cum Laude in 1980 with a degree in education, Cindy dedicated her life to the education of children with special needs. Driven to fan the flames of curiosity in every student, her love for teaching was rooted in her love for all children and her belief that everyone has something positive to share with the world. Cindy enjoyed gardening, reading, and sunbathing on the beach (any beach), as well as traveling with her husband, fulfilling her lifelong desire to explore the globe. She will be especially remembered for her compassionate as well as competitive nature, her deeply loving spirit, and her talent for finding beauty in all things. Above all, she sought to bring peace and love to the world. Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Brigadier General Charles R. Bradford. She is survived by her husband Robert Sekel, of Yulee, FL; her two children, Patrick (Lacey) Avery of Newnan, GA and Jessica (Douglas) Osterhoudt of Bow, NH; and her three grandchildren, Bodhi and Ezra Avery and Jacqueline Osterhoudt. A celebration of life will be held by her family in the spring in accordance with Cindy’s wishes.