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Celena Sylvestri Obituary
Celena J. Sylvestri lost her life much too early at the age of 20. A resident of Quinton, she died Sunday, August 28, 2011 during Hurricane Irene. Born in Norristown, PA, and raised in Catasauqua, PA, she was the daughter of Kathryn (Croissette) Van Orden and Ralph Sylvestri. Celena graduated from Salem High School class of 2009 and currently worked as a waitress at Cracker Barrel in Pennsville. She attended Salem County Community College and was nearing her completion of a degree in music/education and also played for the college basketball team. She was a self-taught musician, loved playing the guitar, and she was an excellent vocalist. A free spirited individual, loved by all she met, and will be sadly missed by all whom she touched throughout her life. Survivors: Celena survived by her loving mother and stepfather, Kathryn and Barry Van Orden; her father and stepmother, Ralph and Diane Sylvestri; her caring sisters, Katrina, Melissa, Sandy, and Casey; her devoted brothers, Chris and Jesse; her maternal grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 Noon in the Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit/St. Josephs Parish Center, 2 Lamplighter Lane, Woodstown, NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in Lawnside Cemetery in Pilesgrove. Contributions: May be made to the Celena J. Sylvestri Memorial Fund at any TD Bank. Please visit www.htlayton.com to view the Journey of Remembrance honoring the life of Celena and to leave a note of condolence to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the H.T. Layton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Woodstown, NJ, 856.769.1515.
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Memories and Condolences
for Celena Sylvestri
Phylicia Heibel
January 3, 2012
I miss you alot Celena. I miss the fun times Chastity Ainsworth, James Spain, you and I had in High School. We hhad a blast together. You inspired me to startdancing again after I quit when you sing it is the most amazing singing that I have ever heard in my entire life. You are a really talented woman and did not deserve to die so young. We all miss you and cant wait til we see you again.
January 1, 2012
Sister love I never really took the time to go through and read what everyone has said on here but im glad I finally did. It makes me happy to see all the people who did'nt know you feel like they did. And for the ones who did feel that love that anyone who even just got a hello from you did. You were and always will be something completely special. You inspired me in many ways I would'nt have wanted anyone else to be my bestfriend and sister. I'll miss you till we meet again.
* Love you, Melissa
November 14, 2011
I still can't believe your gone, I know your looking down on everyone, they all love and miss you so much! Rest easy girl <3
Me and mt Angel
November 7, 2011
Nikki D'Oliviera
November 6, 2011
I miss Celena every single day. It hits me harder and harder as time passes by. She was an angel and was one of the few girls to take the time to get to know me and understand me instead of judging me. I have many memories with her and I wish I had more. I loved her with all my heart. I will never forget her.
B P
November 1, 2011
I miss you so much. I spend a lot of my time at college just staring at your pictures on my laptop. I love you. I'll visit tomorrow.
Marco Ramirez
October 22, 2011
Hey Kathy, I feel so bad that it took me so long to say something, but I really still don't know what to say. I'm heartbroken for your loss.
Karen Van Orden
September 9, 2011
Dear Kathy and Barry, Katrina, Chris, Melissa and Jesse--My heart broke when I heard the news, and my heart continues to ache for your sorrow. May you find peace in the memories of your times with her. May God bless you and Celena until you see her again.
Rachel
September 6, 2011
Sleep sweetly now, Celena. i hope silence comes to deafen the sounds of the hearts shattered by your loss.
Jeanne Ridgway
September 6, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Jordan Bagby
September 6, 2011
Baby girl we all miss you like no tomorrow..rest easy your up in heaven with the greatest singers there ever was ur prob beating Jason Collier in basketball! You are playing guitar with John Lennon! You are in the best place in the world we all miss you and we will see you again soon:)
Dawn Boulanger-Raine
September 6, 2011
No bond is greater or more secure than that between a parent and child...I am so very sorry for your loss. I know and understand their are no words available to comfort you at this time. If you ever need an understanding ear or shoulder, please don't hesitate to contact me.. May God give you the strength you require to see you through this.
September 6, 2011
Celena my thoughts are with you and your family ..... Luv U
Stephanie
Alyssa Adams
September 5, 2011
RIP Girl love and miss you .
Alyssa Adams
September 5, 2011
RIP beautiful you were such a inspiration to everyone and you had a voice of an angel One day we will meet again but all i know now is your up above watching over all of us rest easy girl(:
Kathleen Moore
September 5, 2011
Rest easy beautiful girl- not a day goes by without thinking about your smile, your laugh, your singing voice, and everything else God had blessed you with- one day we will meet again & sing our hearts out like old days- I love you and miss you so much... You have touched so many lives in so many ways. ? RIP Celena
Jana Kay
September 5, 2011
I love you! Miss singing w you Beautiful <3
lynsey castle
September 4, 2011
Rest in peace celena you were beautiful and talented. Now you can sing with the angels.
Candice Laslo
September 4, 2011
Celena I will never for get yoi we grow up together in catty you always made me smile at chreeing I will never for get ur first day u got so scared u tan away from practce and I was the only one who ran after u and wjen.bb u finally stoped and sat down we talked for almost two hours about so much I cany belive your gone but ur an angel now and I no you are watchin over all of us <3 to celenas family im very sorry for ur loss if there is any thing u need let me no rest easy baby girl (cody sorry for ur loss I no u loved her)
T. Cochran
September 4, 2011
We {{{{Loved}}}} You and having you in our Home...Rest In The Arms Of The Angels, Celena...we will see you on the other side....
Jaime Boulanger
September 4, 2011
Celena, I will miss you very much but I also will try my best to realize that you are in a better place now, singing with the angels.you will forever be missed by many and never forgotten. We all love you dearly! Rip!
Jackie Booth
September 4, 2011
Im never going to forget Celena she will always have a spot in my heart and she has truly impacted all of our lives.. I miss her and just wish for that one more day to hangout again or see her I'm so sorry for the loss and celenas family is all in my prayers. I'll miss u Celena and I hope to maybe get a turtle tattoo in honor of ur memory. I love u and well meet again for now watch over us all.
Kathryn Van Orden
September 4, 2011
Celena ..I will always love you..you will always be my Angel..You have always been...I miss you soooooo much.Mom
Donna Jenkins
September 4, 2011
I did not know Celena, but can tell by these condolences she was a wonderful young lady. This exact tragedy happened in Wyoming to a friend of my daughter, a mom and her three young daughters - such heartache for the husband/father and all the family. My condolences to your family, her boyfriend and her many friends at this time of mourning.
Cindy Tarry
September 3, 2011
I didn't know Celena but what a beautiful and talented young woman. My heart goes out to her family. God saw a special girl and took her to his home. Her song will live on forever.
Judith Smullen
September 3, 2011
I did not know Celena personally but knew of her through one of her dedicated teachers. Such a tragedy for us all to lose someone so young and with so much promise. It is a lesson to all of us to appreciate the time we have to share in this life.
edgardo lalindez
September 3, 2011
RIP
Matt
September 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to your family, we had a good time at skateaway for many years all the good times we had R.I.P Celena u will be missed dearly!
September 2, 2011
It is hard to put in words what we feel in your heart.Please know we are here if there is anything we can do for you.The Shimp Family
richard mullins
September 2, 2011
My deepest condolences to your family. I did not know Celena but as a father musician and christian I was crushed by this tragedy with grief .watching your daughter play that guitar ..its obvious she was living life to the fullest.god bless your family l pray that the lord brings peace to your hearts and know you will see her again
In heaven.
richard mullins
September 2, 2011
my deepest condolences to your family. i did not know your beautiful and talented daughter celena but as a father musician and christian i was crushed by this tragedy with grief .watching your daughter play that guitar on you tube...its obvious she was living life to the fullest.god bless your family l pray that the lord brings peace to your hearts and know you will see her again
in heaven.
Linn DiSario
September 2, 2011
Kathy & Family, our hearts are broken over the loss of your beautiful & talented daughter Celena. We will always remember hearing her sing @ Jenny's what a good time she was having,what a zest for life she had. Celena you were taken much to soon,God Bless you sweetheart. Kathy know you have a special guardian angel to watch over you and your family.
With love & sadness our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Andy & Linn (Graystation)
Shirley & Jerry Murphy
September 2, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Zack Troxell
September 2, 2011
The memory of Celena will always be a happy one, She left an afterglow of smiles when life was done. She has left an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. Celena would want those who grieve,to dry before the sun of happy memories that she left when life is done.
Stephanie Powers
September 2, 2011
Kathy and Family,
You will be in both my thoughts and prayers. Celena will always be with you everywhere.
Nicki and Dave Hannah
September 2, 2011
May the whisper of her soul's song forever be heard and the radiance of her smile bring warm memories to the heart. She will forever be missed and never forgotten.
Timothy Hack
September 1, 2011
Celena left an indelible impression on those she encountered. I had Celena in my Western Civilization course, and although she wasn't going to win "historian of the year," she sat near the front of the class and we developed a bond through our mutual passion of music. My last encounter with her was trying to get her to sing a Joni Mitchell song in December 2010. She declined because she claimed that "she didn't know that one." I guess I'm just getting too old. Generally, I have a great deal of anxiety with many students who come through my classroom: are they going to make it? Do they have what it takes to make it in this world? I never had that concern about Celena. She had all the intangibles. This is a terrible shock to me, and my condolences go out to her family and friends. Celena - you still owe me that debate:)
Tina McAllister
September 1, 2011
I didn't know your daughter,sister,niece, cousin,friend,girlfriend I was sadden to her of her loss my thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless You All
September 1, 2011
To the family of Celena J Sylvestri,
I did not know your daughter but this tragic story has touched my heart, may you find comfort in knowing people care about you, even though we do not know you,( I had an incident like this one happen to me but was able to stop before going into the water and turn around) I believe "there is a time to live and a time to die" God was with your daughter at birth and with her at death. (it is ironic the weekend I had a heartattack and was in Cooper Hospital being put together, 2 friends died that weekend), I am a firm believer that when our mission is done here on earth, we are called home.
just a few thoughts: I just finished a book about heavan, the boy was taken up to heavan during a really bad time in his life( he had a ruptured append. and he was not diagnosed properly) he was 4yrs old(he is 9yrs old now) and what he has said about heavan your daughter is going to like it there. Another book about a lady who died and went to heavan and came back to tell us"Within the Gates" by Rebecca Springer is a beautiful expression of the love of heavan. May you be blessed to know your daughter is safe and sound in the loving arms of Jesus!!!! God Bless, SSusan (DeMaris) Wood, Pennsville,nj
holly hall
September 1, 2011
I didn't know Celena but this completely tore my heart in two I am truly sorry for your loss she was taken much to soon my prayers are with you
Marcala Diggs & Family
September 1, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
kim cochran
September 1, 2011
I will never forget Celena,she was the light of my sons life. She brought such happiness and joy into our home. Our family will never be the same without her. I would give any thing to see her sweet smile again. My condolences to her family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cody Saylor
September 1, 2011
Celena was a huge part of my life. Things will never be the same without her. There is always a place for her in my heart, and no one else till the day I'm gone. She knows this and felt the same way. I loved her.
Joe Stempo
September 1, 2011
I don't remember ever meeting Celena but from all accounts, it certainly sounds like she was an inspiring and positive person. I watched some of her videos on youtube, and it's sad to see someone so talented leave us way too soon. I hope that her memorial fund is able to inspire young musicians to pursue their dreams. I will definitely be making a donation soon.
September 1, 2011
So very sorry for your loss. Debbie Fritz posted this and I would like to send you my thought's and prayers.
Melissa Goldsborough
September 1, 2011
I did not know this beautiful young lady, but the story broke my heart. I am truly saddend by this tragedy. My sincerest condolences and prayers to Celena's freinds and family,
Aleda Kurczewski
September 1, 2011
Dear Kathy, Katrina, Melissa and Jesse,
My heart aches knowing Celena is not physically here with us any longer. The joy she brought to our household with her laughter, her beautiful smile and the endless sweetness that emerged from her is forever in my heart. How I wish for another sleepover for the girls, another trick or treat night or football game cheering or simply one more hug from her. We are all so much better for having known Celena and she will go on in each of us. Much love to all of you. "Rusty"
September 1, 2011
Beloved Barry and Kathryn,
Our love and prayers are with you as you deal with unbearable sorrow. Our hearts are very heavy as we mourn your loss with you.
May God give you peace.
Love, Frank ad Patty(Pawleys Island, SC)
Cheryl Zimkouski
September 1, 2011
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Wendy & Troy
September 1, 2011
We knew Celena well and loved her dearly. She was such a talented, fun loving, beautiful young woman. We will miss her jokes and laughter. There are no more chats on facebook or phone calls "just because". She had many people in her life (not related to her) who considered her family. She definitely was the center of ours. Our condolences to everyone who had the pleasure of loving her and be loved by her. She was truly special, and will be missed more than words can say.
cheryl williams(foster)
September 1, 2011
so sorry for your loss.
Robin Kulp
September 1, 2011
Kathy and Barry,
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you. God bless all of you in this difficult time and know that your family loves you and hurts with you also.
Ellen Westfield
September 1, 2011
so sorry for your loss,,your family is in my prayers
Christy
September 1, 2011
I didn't know Celena but know many that did get the honor of having her in their lives. So sorry for the lose of a wonderful soul. Rest in peace Celena.
September 1, 2011
To Celena's familys and friends. I met Celena last winter in Cracker barrel she was one of the first people i got to know i will never forget the smile on her face and her laughter she was so full of life im glad i got to know her she will be missed by so many. she also had a beautiful voice i would see on utube so talented and so sorry. Sue gorman
Erin Nase
September 1, 2011
God Bless the famiy during this difficult time. Always remember Celena's smile, musical talent, and all around sweet women. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
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