Cecelia Carr Fortino, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home on Camano Island, WA on November 2, 2023. Cece leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering positivity that touched the lives of all who knew her.

Cecelia was born and raised in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She was a proud graduate of Central Michigan University (Fire up Chips!) and later got her master’s in education from Michigan State (Go Green!). In her 25-year career teaching in Haslett, Michigan, she touched the lives of countless students, many of whom she stayed in touch with to the end of her life. She had much to be proud of in the classroom: always figuring out a way to uniquely connect with each of her students, turning coworkers into life-long friends, and negotiating contracts on behalf of her colleagues as union president.

Having spent her whole life in Michigan and rarely traveling out of the state, she had no idea of the adventures she would embark on after she met her husband, Craig. They moved first to south Florida, and later to Alaska (to remote Gustavus, where groceries had to be flown in, and afterwards Sitka, which had no roads in or out). As Craig approached retirement, they decided to settle in the Pacific Northwest and found the amazing community of Camano Island, which has been their home for the past 10 years.

Every move was met with caution to leave the community she had created; nevertheless, within days she not only loved her new home but had managed to befriend the whole town. Making true connections with whomever she met was one of her greatest gifts. No matter what activity she was involved in – whether volunteering, substitute teaching, watching March Madness, or going to the American Legion – she approached it with a level of enthusiasm and excitement that was contagious to those around her.

She will forever be missed on the pickleball courts (but not setting up the nets); at book club; boating on any of the numerous lakes in Michigan; at every holiday gathering and musical sing-along; playing any card or board game (except Bridge, of course); never missing any of her kids’ basketball games or cross-country meets; watching her grandchildren excel on the lacrosse, baseball, and soccer fields; putting her much younger family members to shame on their daily steps challenge; and always bringing the life, light and spirit to whichever room she entered. Every social gathering was a chance for her to shine and an opportunity to turn a stranger into a friend.

The words on this page can’t even begin to capture the essence of Cece’s true spirit and what she meant to every person she encountered. Her spirit will forever live on in all of us whom she loved deeply. She wanted to live life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances, and she certainly succeeded in that. You left us too soon but the huge mark and impact you’ve left will live on infinitely.

To Cece: your main life goal was achieved – you made a difference.

Cece's impact reached far and wide. She will be deeply missed by her husband: Craig Smith; her children: Paul Fortino (Jenny Fortino) and Kristin Fortino (David Fuchs); her grandchildren: Julia, Paulie, Presley, Jayden, and Payton Fortino, and Noam and Jonah Fuchs; her sisters: Susan Parnes (Gordie Parnes) and Mary Jane Fleece (Bob Fleece); several nieces and nephews, and friends too many to count, let alone name. You are all amazing.

In honor of Cece's memory, the family kindly requests contributions to Hospice of the Northwest (https://www.hospicenw.org/fou…) an organization close to her heart, dedicated to providing compassionate care.

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