Ceil C. Magnifico

Ceil C. Magnifico 1929 - 2008 ADAMS Ceil C. Magnifico, 78, of 27 Murray St. died Saturday evening, July 11, 2008, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, shortly after her admission. Born in Adams on Aug. 24, 1929, daughter of Alojzy and Wiktorya Wietscha Strzepek, she was a graduate of St. Stanislaus School and a 1948 graduate of the former Adams High School, where she was a cheerleader for their athletic teams. She also attended McCann Vocational Technical School's cosmetology course, where she received a license to operate her own beauty shop. Mrs. Magnifico owned "Pias Beauty Salon," located on the corner of Victory and Summer streets. She was first employed by the former Sprague Electric Co. in North Adams. She also found time to create the Pedal & Plod races during the Susan B. Anthony Days in the town's celebration. She was an executive director of the Chamber of Commerce and also president of the Polish Ladies Auxiliary Board in 1952 and 1953. She cherished the time she could spend with her family. An avid cook, she especially enjoyed making the traditional Polish dishes. She also enjoyed sojourning winters in Florida and traveling. A kind and friendly neighbor, she was greeted by many as "Babcia." She leaves her best friend and beloved husband of 59 years, Orlando R. Magnifico, with whom she exchanged marriage vows on April 23, 1949 in St. Stanislaus Church with the Rev. Henry L. Kempinski, pastor, officiating. Besides her husband, she leaves three children, Jeffrey L. Magnifico of North Adams, Michael Magnifico and his wife, Dina, of Amesbury, and Patricia A. Magnifico-Duquette and her husband, Bruce, of Adams, and six grandchildren, Ashley and Amy Duquette, and Jamie, Brian, Gabrielle and Jesse Magnifico. She was predeceased by a brother, Matt Strzepek, and by a sister, Susan Lizak. FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated for her life on Wednesday, July 16, at 10 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Church with the Rev. Julien LaFlamme officiating. Burial will follow at a later date. There will be no calling hours. The MCBRIDE FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.