Teodosia Sebial, 94, of Sycamore, Illinois, peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on April 2, 1931, in Linao, on the island of Cebu, Philippines, where she was raised and spent most of her life before moving to the United States in 2014.

Teodosia was a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family. As a child, she helped in her family's business of corn and rice milling and processing raw chocolates called "tableya". She lived through the Japanese occupation of Cebu during World War II and carried vivid memories of that difficult time. Fearing for their safety — especially because her father, Lolo Juan, provided food to soldiers fighting against the Japanese — she and her family fled to the mountains and hid in caves to avoid capture. The aftermath of the war left their family with limited resources, and even as a young girl, Teodosia contributed by peddling food at the local tigbakay (cockfighting spot in Cebu) to help support her family due to her mother dying when she was a young girl.

Her strength and determination continued into adulthood. Teodosia dedicated her life to education and family. She began her teaching career in a remote countryside elementary school in the Philippines, bringing learning and opportunity to children in underserved communities. She later taught preschool for many years in her hometown, where she became known for her patience, warmth, and gift for storytelling.She was also the very first teacher and tutor to her grandchildren — Earl Le, Crystal, Lordhits and Kennydhits Rumoro— lovingly teaching them how to read and write. Her passion for teaching young children remained with her throughout her life.

In addition to her career as an educator, she owned and operated a small neighborhood store before migrating to the United States in 2014 to live in Sycamore, Illinois. She was a devoted mother, the matriarch, who skillfully balanced career and family, serving as the central force in raising her children and grandchildren despite financial challenges. Her strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love shaped generations.

In her later years, Teodosia enjoyed word puzzles, gardening and watching sports, animal shows and game shows on television. She also enjoyed trips to museums, parks, orchards and summer fairs. One of her fondest memories was visiting Walt Disney World in Florida, a trip that brought her immense joy.

Teodosia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dulcesimo Sebial (2006), and her children Jessilito Sebial and Lynette Sebial.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lonny Dalaguete, Lorli McNamara, Dulcesimo Sebial Jr., and Lynn Sebial. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Earl Le Dalaguete, Crystal Dalaguete, Lordhits Reinink, Kenny Rumoro, Arriane Belle Sebial, Dane Sebial, and  by her great-granddaughters Tamara Dalaguete, and Shay Reinink.

She will be remembered for her resilience, kindness, deep love for her family, and unwavering dedication to the children she taught. Her life was a testament to perseverance through hardship, faith through uncertainty, and love without limits. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she nurtured, guided, and inspired.

There will be a visitation for those who wish to say their last goodbye to Teodosia on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 244 Waterman St., Sycamore.  The funeral mass will begin at 10:30 AM.

A luncheon will be served at the Parish Activities Center (PAC) after the service.

The family of Teodosia Sebial wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, love, support, and kindness shown during this time of loss. Your presence and comfort mean more than words can express.