Memories of Celia Calhoun

I remember studying for history in the car before school in Elizabeth Park with Celia. We were bed friends back then. We reconnected when she lived off of Prospect avenue and going to lunch to meet her new little one from Texas, I believe. I had recently adopted from Ecuador. I have never seen her happier. God bless you Celia. Be at peace and know you are loved by many

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Caroline Pencz

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Linda Beach Bouffard

I am so sorry for your loss !!!Celia was an amazing, talented and beautiful person, inside and out. Though I have lost touch with her over the years my love for her as a dear friend will always remain! God bless you and may he help to heal the pain you must be feeling.

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Donna Larkin

I didn’t know Celia, but read of her passing in a HAS newsletter. Her obituary is incredible and she has inspired me to live a fuller life. She must have been an enormous presence and joy to have been near, based on the descriptors of her life. My deepest condolences.

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Jack Calhoun

I was asked to post the remembrance I gave at my dear Cousin Celia's memorial service yesterday. Below are my remarks, and there is a photograph of "the 54s" mentioned below in the photo section.

Remembering my Cousin - Cecilia Mary Calhoun
Memorial Service – January 19, 2019

Have you ever experienced that sensation when you are present in the moment and keenly aware of what you are doing, and yet at the same time what you are experiencing has an almost surreal quality to it? Such is what I am feeling at this moment, and I suspect that many of you here today celebrating my cousin Celia’s life, may also be experiencing a version of the same thing.

I am Jack Calhoun, Celia’s first cousin, and together we share a special place in the complicated genealogy of our family. This was the consequence of our widower Calhoun grandfather marrying his widowed sister-in-law. The result was that our fathers became step brothers to their first cousins. Confused? See me afterwards.

The important thing here is that when Celia’s and my parents, along with our Dads’ first cousin/ step-siblings, were having children….1954 was a very prolific year in the Calhoun – Machado clan. There were four of us born in 1954, Vicky in May, John in late November, me on December 12th and Celia on December 17th. Over the years we were referred to as the “54s”, a special bond that we shared together. In our 30th year - that’s 1984 for the non-math whizzes - we threw a birthday party for ourselves hosted by Celia. We invited our parents as well as all our siblings. The theme of the party, which was Celia’s idea, was for our parents to come dressed as what they thought they would be when they “grew up”, and for us - the kids - to come as what we wanted to be when we “grew up”.

While I don’t remember all the details, I do recall Celia’s costume was elegant, and as always with an artful splash of color and whimsy. Despite being the hostess, which she always accomplished with seeming ease, she was right in the middle of things - greeting people, laughing with her cousins and smiling at familiar stories told by our parents. When I think back on that gathering it strikes me as classic Celia…creative and elegant without being ostentatious, great food, good wine, lots of laughter and fun, and perhaps most importantly a gathering that reflected her deep pride and love of her family.

No doubt we all have memories and stories about Celia, and as her cousin I certainly have many of them - whether skiing together over the years at Killington, visiting our grandparents in Cornwall, sitting together on Gramp’s lap after Thanksgiving dinner, and hoping he would give me the paper ring from his cigar - he always gave it to Celia.

Candidly, when I was a teenager, I was intimidated by Celia. I saw her as my sophisticated “big city” cousin, and myself as the country bumpkin from rural New Hampshire. Like our grandmother - after whom she was named - she was blessed with the beauty of our Cuban ancestors. She was smart and sophisticated, and a terrific athlete.

I remember well a time when her family visited us one summer in Rye Beach, NH where my family vacationed. Celia was fierce on the tennis court, then it was off to the beach club for a swim. She emerged from the bath house in a sleek faux leopard skin bikini. Needless-to-say, it didn’t take long for the full attention of every teenaged boy and paunchy old man on the deck to turn their full gaze in her direction. Without fanfare, she dove into the pool and completed a series of laps using every stroke in the swimming repertoire. It was a tour de force of sorts, and yes, completely intimidating.

With time, whatever intimidation I might have felt being with Celia vanished, and we became much closer. We often spent time together, and when necessary, she would set me up with a date. After children became part of our lives, our families would gather at our weekend places in Vermont witnessing the next generation skiing together, playing games and engaging in all manner of crazy activities, as we had once done. Most of all I remember lots of laughter and activities that involved family, great food and wonderful memories.

As we all know, life is not always easy, and there are disappointments, losses, and sadness. None of us escape this reality, and Celia certainly had her share. Nonetheless, with a combination of grace, charm and grit she always found “true north” again. We saw this especially when she met you Bob, and together you created a wonderful homeplace on the hillside next to Penwood State Park here in Bloomfield (CT). I don’t think there was ever a time when I saw her as happy. Add to this having in her life – her daughters Caroline and Cameron, as well as Lindsay, Josh, and Dan and your families and most especially her three grandchildren. Nieces Avery, Paige and Mackenzie and brother-in-law Phil, you too enriched her life so much. And Jake, when I spoke by phone with your sister at Thanksgiving, she gushed about how wonderful it was to spend time with you – her brother - in these last months. You all meant the world to her and her heart was full.

In these last years I witnessed a softening in Celia, born of experience and wisdom gained over time. Nonetheless, she never lost her fierce determination, bequeathed to her by her Dad – José – and no doubt rooted in the Calhoun motto “Si je puis” – “If I can”. Celia’s was a determination that was both maddening, as when she insisted on getting back on her horse and falling off in the last year. And yet, it was a determination that could be inspiring too, as when she told me when I visited last spring that the survival rate for glioblastoma was five percent, and she was going to be one of those five percent. There was no reason in the world to doubt her.

One of the last times we spoke, on the day before her final surgery, she told me that she was scared. We cried together over the phone, as we both knew it was going to be intense - I can only imagine. I told her that God was going to be right there with her during her surgery and forever. We spoke next on December 17th, her birthday. Cameron answered her phone and passed it to her Mom. After I wished Celia Happy Birthday, she told me she wanted to have a family reunion next summer and asked me to help her organize the event. Of course, I said yes.

Si ju puis….it was embedded in her Joie de vivre.

And now holding dear Celia in our hearts, let us be comforted by the words of poet Jane Kenyon.

Let Evening Come

Let the light of late afternoon
shine through chinks in the barn, moving
up the bales as the sun moves down.

Let the cricket take up chafing
as a woman takes up her needles
and her yarn. Let evening come.

Let dew collect on the hoe abandoned
in long grass. Let the stars appear
and the moon disclose her silver horn.

Let the fox go back to its sandy den.
Let the wind die down. Let the shed
go black inside. Let evening come.

To the bottle in the ditch, to the scoop
in the oats, to air in the lung
let evening come.

Let it come, as it will, and don't
be afraid. God does not leave us
comfortless, so let evening come.

In closing I invite you to embrace the words of Henry Scott Holland, the 19th Century Anglican priest. His meditation was shared at the memorial service for Celia’s father in Middlebury, VT in April 1996. It was comforting then, and I pray will be today as well.

Death is nothing at all…I have only slipped away into the next room…I am I and you are you…whatever we were to each, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way you always used to. Put no difference in your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without effect, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner…All is well.

God bless Cecilia Mary Calhoun. Amen!

# # # # # # #

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Jack Calhoun

Bob and family, it was such an honor for me to be able to share my memories and reflections of Celia...Thank... Read more Bob and family, it was such an honor for me to be able to share my memories and reflections of Celia...Thank you all!! Bob and family, it was such an honor for me to be able... Read more

Jack Calhoun

Celia and her 3 Cousins all born in 1954 - (a/k/a "The 54s")

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Jack Calhoun

This photograph was taken in 1986....our 32nd year!! This photograph was taken in 1986....our 32nd year!! This photograph was taken in 1986....our 32nd year!!... Read more

Julie Sudarsky Gross

Thank you for sharing your remarks and the picture. It is comforting to read how much Ceal means to all of... Read more Thank you for sharing your remarks and the picture. It is comforting to read how much Ceal means to all of us. Thank you for sharing your remarks and the picture.... Read more

gillian murrell

1997, Charlotte, NC, USA

A going away gift from Celia.

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Caroline Pencz

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Sandra Wood Forand

2019, Celia's Memorial Service

These are the remarks I gave at Celia's Memorial on Jan. 19:

Celia’s Memorial
1/19/19
My name is Sandy Wood Forand, and Celia was one of my closest friends for the last dozen years. The thing is, there are many people in this sanctuary who would say the same thing, and hundreds more across the country. Celia had a remarkable ability to attract people of all personalities and backgrounds to her, and to bring her “special sauce” of adventure, grace, style, and – as one dear friend in Philadelphia lovingly wrote to Bob – CHAOS – to each relationship. Many of you had the privilege of knowing Celia much longer than I, but I’ve learned we all had similar experiences and relationships w our dear Celia. Speaking at least for myself, she was much better than I at so many things – gardening, cooking, all sports, art, and, lord knows, design and dressing. She taught me these things w/ grace, and celebrated the things we had in common -- our role as mothers to children we adored, boats, yoga, dancing, vodka …. chardonnay … gluten-free diets. And she admired my left-brain contributions that kept us at least marginally organized, safe and at least partially out of trouble.

So I’m here today on behalf of all of her friends. I will read a remembrance from one of her oldest school chums who couldn’t be here – Julie Gross. And then I will read a poem that I have chosen by Irish poet John O’Donohue that is helping me learn how to continue in my deep connection to my dear friend Celia.

ABOUT “CEAL”. WITH LOVE FROM JULIE GROSS

It’s impossible to condense 52 years of my long friendship with Ceal, so I’m going relate some of my favorite memories. Our friendship began when we started Oxford in 1965. The uniforms were truly ugly. Our grey wool skirts had to touch the stage floor when we knelt down. After school, Ceal would roll up her skirt to show off her shapely legs. Mine were just skinny. Our brogues had to be polished. We wore white shirts with Peter Pan collar under our itchy grey blazers. This style was not popular with anyone, but Ceal made it work. I always thought she looked “cool”.
We came from different backgrounds, but we always stuck together. Ceal was the best at tennis, gymnastics, dance,// field hockey, swimming, skiing,// French, art and just about everything else. Even back then, she was graceful, beautiful, and accomplished. She did everything before me. She was adventurous, with a healthy touch of mischief. She was so good at everything, you could just hate her! But I never did. I loved tagging around.

It was such a treat for me to be invited up to Killington for a ski weekend with her family. I tried to keep up, but couldn’t.

My first sleepover was at her house. We got to sleep on her special sleeping porch and she even introduced me to her handsome big brother, Jake.

For Oxford graduation, we carried lilies, which were full of pollen. Unbeknownst to us, both our noses had become completely covered with pollen. While walking down the aisle, at the exact same moment we reached to wipe each other’s noses. I always felt that meant we were on the same wave-length; we even had a secret language. Although we never lived in the same town again, we always knew that our friendship would last forever. And, it did.

After high school graduation, Ceal came to visit me in France. She loved telling the story about flying over with my grandma who was in first class. Ceal kept sneaking drinks and snacks from her.

Neither of us ever forgot her first night on Belle Ille. She must have caught a stomach bug from those first class snacks. She vomited all night. My 3-year-old brother Noah thought that Kaopectate cured all stomachaches. So all night long we heard Noah repeating: “Boire du Kaopectate, Ceal…Boire du Kaopectate, Ceal.”

I spent every summer on that island, but I wasn’t very adventurous or mischievous. Ceal came and conquered. We explored, met some members of a local rock band, and found some French boyfriends! Everything was so much more fun when she was around.

As an adult, she moved around a lot and was able to use her numerous skills to decorate at least five or six houses. Her taste, and personality, developed from traditional to creative, bold and exquisite! She never stopped redecorating, repurposing and expanding her vision and her intellect!

In 1991, I had a newborn and a 3-year-old. I was so excited to visit Ceal, Caroline and Cammy in West Hartford. I told my son Ben all about my friend Ceal. Unbeknownst to me, Ben was expecting to see a SEAL. He was so upset that Ceal was a woman and not a marine mammal. He kept looking all over the house for the seal.

Fast forward to another “Adventure Designed by Ceal”: her 60th birthday. Seven out of eight of Ceal’s best friends were able to get to Hobe Sound for an unforgettable celebration. We did some biking, swimming, boating and eating; but the most meaningful part of that weekend was the conversation. Very few of us knew each other beforehand, but we shared ideas, memories and emotions – all facilitated by Ceal. If Ceal wasn’t an artist, landscaper, interior decorator, and entrepreneur, she certainly could have been a group therapy leader!

This past summer I had the honor of being invited to be part of the Stevens, Calhoun and Firger “Gang of Seven”. We had such a good time in New York City watching Caroline pick out her wedding dress. The bonding was the best. That day will always stand out as a highlight of my life. The love of this family; the support, kindness and the generosity of this family are monumental! Ceal enjoyed every minute of that day. She was immensely proud of all of her beautiful daughters! The love and happiness that she was able to share at Caroline’s wedding will be with all of us forever.

We supported each other in good times and bad. I imagine that everyone in this room knows how lucky they are to have known this extraordinary woman. Cecelia Mary Calhoun, our dear friend, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and cousin had an enormous impact on all of us. I think we can all find the SEAL in our hearts and souls. We will have her with us forever.

Sandy’s Remarks

Celia and I were both of Scottish descent. We loved the Celtic image of “thin spaces”—places where the boundary fades between this limited human world and the boundless world of eternal spirits, places where we can sometimes pass between the two worlds. In the last two years she was fascinated to hear about the courses I was taking about Celtic Christianity; Celtic spirituality reminds us that the divine is around and IN all of us, right here for us to see and celebrate – in a baby’s face, in loving hearts of friends and family, and in the beautiful world of Nature that Celia adored. In this spirit, I will share these words by the Irish poet John O’Donohue, which help me understand how I can keep Celia with me every day forevermore:

Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts,
Where no storm or night or pain can reach you.

Your love was like the dawn
Brightening over our lives --
Awakening beneath the dark
A further adventure of colour.

The sound of your voice
Found for us
A new music
That brightened everything.

Whatever you enfolded in your gaze
Quickened in the joy of its being;
You placed smiles like flowers
On the altar of the heart.
Your mind always sparkled
With wonder at things.

Though your days here were brief,
Your spirit was live, awake, complete.

We look towards each other no longer
From the old distance of our names;
Now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
As close to us as we are to ourselves.

Though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
We know our soul's gaze is upon your face,
Smiling back at us from within everything
To which we bring our best refinement.

Let us not look for you only in memory,
Where we would grow lonely without you.
You would want us to find you in presence,
Beside us when beauty brightens,
When kindness glows --
And music echoes eternal tones.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring;
May this dark grief flower with hope
In every heart that loves you.

May you continue to inspire us:

To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love --
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
And where we will never lose you again.

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Julie Sudarsky Gross

Thank you. Wonderful picture Thank you. Wonderful picture Thank you. Wonderful picture

Julie Sudarsky Gross

Sandy: Thank you for your words, memories and friendship. I am so very grateful that you shared my thoughts... Read more Sandy: Thank you for your words, memories and friendship. I am so very grateful that you shared my thoughts with everyone else... Read more Sandy: Thank you for your words, memories and friendship.... Read more

gillian murrell

Sandra, thank you so, so much for sharing yours and Julie’s loving thoughts and memories of Celia. I was so very sad not to be able to come to her service. Celia was indeed a bright light of grace, intelligence, love, curiosity, passion, creativity, beauty and energy, to name just a few of her remarkable talents and traits. We became fast friends when our children attended the same preschool and our husbands were both singers in the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia. We bonded over child-rearing, tennis, gardening, interior design, politics and the art of crafting. She excelled in everything and I so enjoyed learning from her and collaborating. What a delight she was in all that she did and she did… a lot! I was always amazed with the massive jobs she would undertake and complete! Once, during one of her major house renovations in Villanova, she decided to throw a large dinner party while her kitchen and family room were under construction. She pulled it off with such fun and grace, it remains one of my absolute favorite memories and one that I always think about when I am setting a table for a dinner party. Celia created a very long table out of saw horses and draped them with all sorts of white table cloths that puddled at the floor. The table was artfully set with loads of white candles and pretty flowers from her garden.  We sat in a wonderfully eclectic mix of chairs and seats! It was perfect! Perhaps, most of all, I remember her always shining face with that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes looking about making sure everyone was having a good time. She did it so very well. Lastly, when my family and I moved back home to NC after many years in Philadelphia, Celia threw me a lovely going-away party - I was so touched. She had the gift of making one feel so loved and treasured. After a scrumptious lunch and wonderful conversation, she ceremoniously unveiled a group gift of a delightful sundial ornament for my new garden in NC. This special gift has served as a beautiful reminder of Celia and so much of what she represents. Her love is a constant, an exquisite thing of beauty, which will always be with me. Rest easy dearest Celia. xoxo

Sandra, thank you so, so much for sharing yours and Julie’s loving thoughts and memories of Celia. I was ... Read moreso very sad not to be able to come to her service. Celia was indeed a bright light of grace, intelligence, love, curiosity, passion, creativity, beauty and energy, to name just a few of her remarkable talents and traits. We became fast friends when our children attended the same preschool and our husbands were both singers in the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia. We bonded over child-rearing, tennis, gardening, interior design, politics and the art of crafting. She excelled in everything and I so enjoyed learning from her and collaborating. What a delight she was in all that she did and she did… a lot! I was always amazed with the massive jobs she would undertake and complete! Once, during one of her major house renovations in Villanova, she decided to throw a large dinner party while her kitchen and family room were under construction. She pulled it off with such fun and grace, it remains one of my absolute favorite memories and one that I always think about when I am setting a table for a dinner party. Celia created a very long table out of saw horses and draped them with all sorts of white table cloths that puddled at the floor. The table was artfully set with loads of white candles and pretty flowers from her garden. We sat in a wonderfully eclectic mix of chairs and seats! It was perfect! Perhaps, most of all, I remember her always shining face with that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes looking about making sure everyone was having a good time. She did it so very well. Lastly, when my family and I moved back home to NC after many years in Philadelphia, Celia threw me a lovely going-away party - I was so touched. She had the gift of making one feel so loved and treasured. After a scrumptious lunch and wonderful conversation, she ceremoniously unveiled a group gift of a delightful sundial ornament for my new garden in NC. This special gift has served as a beautiful reminder of Celia and so much of what she represents. Her love is a constant, an exquisite thing of beauty, which will always be with me. Rest easy dearest Celia. xoxo Read less Sandra, thank you so, so much for sharing yours and Julie’s loving thoughts and memories of Celia. I was so very sad not to be... Read more able to come to her service. Celia was indeed a bright light of grace, intelligence, love, curiosity, passion, creativity, beauty and energy, to name just a few of her remarkable talents and traits. We became fast friends when our children attended the same preschool and our husbands were both singers in the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia. We bonded over child-rearing, tennis, gardening, interior design, politics and the art of crafting. She excelled in everything and I so enjoyed learning from her and collaborating. What a delight she was in all that she did and she did… a lot! I was always amazed with the massive jobs she would undertake and complete! Once, during one of her major house renovations in Villanova, she decided to throw a large dinner party while her kitchen and family room were under construction. She pulled it off with such fun and grace, it remains one of my absolute favorite memories and one that I always think about when I am setting a table for a dinner party. Celia created a very long table out of saw horses and draped them with all sorts of white table cloths that puddled at the floor. The table was artfully set with loads of white candles and pretty flowers from her garden. We sat in a wonderfully eclectic mix of chairs and seats! It was perfect! Perhaps, most of all, I remember her always shining face with that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes looking about making sure everyone was having a good time. She did it so very well. Lastly, when my family and I moved back home to NC after many years in Philadelphia, Celia threw me a lovely going-away party - I was so touched. She had the gift of making one feel so loved and treasured. After a scrumptious lunch and wonderful conversation, she ceremoniously unveiled a group gift of a delightful sundial ornament for my new garden in NC. This special gift has served as a beautiful reminder of Celia and so much of what she represents. Her love is a constant, an exquisite thing of beauty, which will always be with me. Rest easy dearest Celia. xoxo Read less Sandra, thank you so, so much for sharing yours and... Read more Julie’s loving thoughts and memories of Celia. I was so very sad not to be able to come to her service. Celia was indeed a bright light of grace, intelligence, love, curiosity, passion, creativity, beauty and energy, to name just a few of her remarkable talents and traits. We became fast friends when our children attended the same preschool and our husbands were both singers in the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia. We bonded over child-rearing, tennis, gardening, interior design, politics and the art of crafting. She excelled in everything and I so enjoyed learning from her and collaborating. What a delight she was in all that she did and she did… a lot! I was always amazed with the massive jobs she would undertake and complete! Once, during one of her major house renovations in Villanova, she decided to throw a large dinner party while her kitchen and family room were under construction. She pulled it off with such fun and grace, it remains one of my absolute favorite memories and one that I always think about when I am setting a table for a dinner party. Celia created a very long table out of saw horses and draped them with all sorts of white table cloths that puddled at the floor. The table was artfully set with loads of white candles and pretty flowers from her garden. We sat in a wonderfully eclectic mix of chairs and seats! It was perfect! Perhaps, most of all, I remember her always shining face with that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes looking about making sure everyone was having a good time. She did it so very well. Lastly, when my family and I moved back home to NC after many years in Philadelphia, Celia threw me a lovely going-away party - I was so touched. She had the gift of making one feel so loved and treasured. After a scrumptious lunch and wonderful conversation, she ceremoniously unveiled a group gift of a delightful sundial ornament for my new garden in NC. This special gift has served as a beautiful reminder of Celia and so much of what she represents. Her love is a constant, an exquisite thing of beauty, which will always be with me. Rest easy dearest Celia. xoxo Read less

Margie Carpenter

Rosalie, Celia and I decorating her home for her wedding to Bob so many years ago. Such a happy time for all of us.

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Joan Hubbard

Celia was one of three very bright stars who have been lost to the Bookgroup through death in the 25 plus years I have been a part of this extraordinary 40 year old group. She brought her intelligence, charm and lovely personality to all the members and books. We will all miss her deeply. Joan S. Hubbard

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Ellen Carey

My deepest sympathies for your loss, Celia was a terrific person, always upbeat and gracious, stopping by my office when she was at HAS/UH and seeing her about town at different events.

I remember a wonderful dinner part she hosted for HAS faculty and staff, end-of-the-year, at her house, just amazing!

A ray of light and a beam of love -- She will be missed -- Ellen Carey

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Angela LaBella

Celia's grace and determination as well as Bob's deep love and support- during this most challenging time- was an inspiration to all of us. I am truly grateful to have known them. Be at peace.

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Caroline Pencz

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Georgi Rancour

2014, Cortona, Province of Arezzo, Italia

Celia, Bob and Ravi

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Emilie de Brigard

As Mary Cheney (Celia's mother's best friend) always said, "Love, love, love is what it's all about." I am feeling so much love for Celia, and for you. Peace beyond words.

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Caroline Pencz

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Jonathan Rickard

1974, Hartford, CT, USA

Celia joined my creative group at Wilson, Haight & Welch, a large marketing, advertising, and public relations firm. We were a young group—men and women, within a much larger group filled with intrigues, romances, arguments, and above all else, deadlines. Celia was a quiet, gentle, and efficient employee who radiated her own light while contributing a placid demeanor to our hectic little world. Not knowing of her condition, I sent a message on her recent birthday that she remained one of my favorite people.

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Deborah Robin

Nine years ago, Celia designed my garden for me and I literally am grateful to her for that, every day. The fruits of her labor give me such peace and pleasure, which she knew I needed! My condolences to her family on your loss.

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Brent Robertson

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Sandra Wood Forand

Celia and Bob, Bernie and I were making a 4:45 am dash through deep February snow and icy roads to Bradley Airport en route to a much-anticipated (and inaccessible) resort on St Lucia when, with the clock ticking, Celia piped up: “Passport? You mean we need our passports???!” Against our advice, she dropped us at the airport and while we checked in and tried to find another flight for her to follow us (it would take her another TWO DAYS!), she sped back through Bloomfield’s treacherous roads, returned with her passport, charmed an agent into rushing her through back hallways past all the security and, while I was stopped for a random search, she actually BEAT ME to the plane! We had a glorious week in the sun, while CT endured yet another blizzard.

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Sandra Wood Forand

2013, St Lucia

Celia and Bob, Sandy and Bernie ("You mean we need a passport?!")

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Lynn Nezin

I am so very sorry that this wonderful courageous woman was taken away. My thoughts are with you all Cousin... Read more I am so very sorry that this wonderful courageous woman was taken away. My thoughts are with you all Cousin Lynn I am so very sorry that this wonderful courageous woman... Read more

Linda Cheverton Wick

Walter and I send our deepest sympathy. Celia was a beautiful and talented soul. Her spirit will soar.

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Caroline Pencz

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