Cathy A. "Higgins" Ceccarelli

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cathy A. (Higgins) Ceccarelli, a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, loving sister, and treasured friend. She was predeceased by her beloved late husband, Paul A. Ceccarelli, her parents, the late John F. Higgins and Doris M. Wesoloski, and her nephew, Sean Flaherty.
A graduate of Auburn High School, Cathy went on to earn her Certificate in Cosmetology, turning her passion for beauty and care into a meaningful career. While motherhood was always her greatest joy, Cathy wore many hats throughout her life. She worked as a hairdresser and thrived in sales roles, including Bagel Sample Sales, Tupperware, and network marketing jewelry. She brought her creativity and warmth to jobs at Michael's Crafts, Home Depot, and The Handmaiden, where her love for collectibles flourished. Cathy also proudly owned and operated the Sturbridge Ice Cream Shoppe, creating lasting memories for the community she served.
She is survived by her loving children: Darcy Cook and husband Scott Cook, Kimberly Steed and husband Art Steed, Brian Ceccarelli and wife Cathy Moroz Ceccarelli, and Joseph Ceccarelli.
She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Zacharie Lachance, Jessica Lachance, Kyle Moroz, Avery Ceccarelli, Tyler Cook, and Matthew Cook; a doting great-grandmother to Carter Moroz and Dean Germain; and a loving "grandma" to her cherished grandpups, Nick and Chance.
Cathy is also survived by her siblings: sister Diane M. Gray and husband Frank E. Gray; brother Thomas J. Higgins and wife Kathleen Higgins; and stepsister Rita Wesolowski and husband Michael Kirkpatrick. She was a devoted aunt to Keith T. Higgins, Kylee Shilappa, Jason Gray, Travis Gray, Erin Giangrande, Lisa Reuest, Kerrie Flaherty, Jamie Van Buren, and Jennifer Smith.
Cathy's life was filled with simple joys and meaningful traditions. She had a passion for cooking, loved Christmas time with family, camping at Point Sebago, and Sunday ice cream trips to Dresser Hill Farm. Her visits to Cape Cod to see her sister were cherished memories, full of laughter and connection. She could spend hours immersed in cross stitch, diamond art, and ceramic painting, using her hands and her heart to create beauty in all she did.
Cathy's warmth, wit, and devotion to her family will live on in the memories she created with those who loved her. Her legacy is one of creativity, compassion, and the kind of love that fills a room and never fades.
A private family service and her Celebration of Life Party was held in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, Cathy would want nothing more than for you to spend time with your loved ones doing one of her favorite things-enjoying ice cream together.