Cecelia Halzel

Cecelia (Celie) Halzel was born in Radautz, Romania on February 21st, 1939 in the midst of the Holocaust. Her parents passed away from sickness and she and her sister Blanca were cared for by their Aunt Pearl. After the war, at the age of 8, Celie traveled with her sister Blanca by boat to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There they were adopted by Noa and Sarah Heinish who had played a role in bringing many refugees from Europe over to Canada. Celie married Michael Halzel September 2, 1962 in Halifax. Together they became passionate Jewish educators, Celie as a Hebrew teacher and Michael as an administrator. They enjoyed incredible careers spanning four decades in Halifax, Boston, San Diego, Miami and New York. Celie and Michael's only son Avi was born in 1966. Avi and his wife Rayna became Jewish educators themselves which brought incredible joy and pride to Celie and Michael. Celie loved her four grandchildren Matan, Ariela, Adina and Gilad with all her heart. They enjoyed many visits and trips together. Celie enjoyed traveling, reading, playing mahjong, cooking for friends and family, taking care of her husband Michael, and doting over her son, daughter in law and grandchildren.
Avi Halzel