Sr. Cecelia Rose Pagnessi

Sr. Cecilia Rose Paganessi died on December 27, 2025 at 1:55 a.m. at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA, at 105 years of age, after 84 years as a Sister of Providence. Vigil Service: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 3:30 p.m., St. Joseph Residence, Chapel, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA. Funeral Mass: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 11:00 a.m. St. Joseph Residence, Chapel. Burial: Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, WA, at 1:45 p.m. Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, Seattle, WA, is in charge of the arrangements.

Sr. Cecilia was born in Centerville, Montana on July 9, 1920, the fourth of five daughters of John and Catherine (Bernini) Paganessi who were immigrants from northern Italy. She recalled that her "early childhood days were carefree and happy, growing up in a loving home." At the age of seven, her mother died. Her father could not take care of the girls while working in the coal mines, so he sent them to St. Thomas Orphans Home in Great Falls, Montana, for the rest of their school years. At St. Thomas Orphans Home, Sr. Cecilia experienced love and care from the Sisters of Providence. A year after graduating from St. Thomas High School, Great Falls in 1939, Sr. Cecilia entered the Sisters of Providence community as a postulant in 1940, becoming a novice in 1941, professed First Vows in 1943 and Final Vows in 1946. She recalled, "I got to like the Sisters very much and felt I wanted to be one."

Her other educational achievements include: a B.A. in English, College of Great Falls (now University of Providence) in 1951, and a M.A. in Religion, University of Notre Dame in 1953. In 1944, she earned her teaching and principal credentials, receiving a diploma from Great Falls College of Education, and in 1976 a diploma in bookkeeping from Kinman Business University, Spokane.

Sr. Cecilia's thirty-one years as an educator included ministering at parochial schools: St. Francis Xavier Grade School, Missoula, Montana (1943-46, 1948-49); St. John Parochial School, Colfax, Washington (1946-48, 1956-58); Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Wallace, Idaho (1949-50); St. Raphael School, Glasgow, Montana (1950-56); St. Gerard School, Great Falls (1958-64); St. Patrick School, Walla Walla, Washington (1964-65, 1968-69); St. Rita School, Kellogg, Idaho (1965-68); Central Catholic Middle School, Walla Walla (1969-71); Assumption School, Walla Walla (1971-74). After her many years as an educator, Sr. Cecilia ministered as a file clerk, Sisters of Providence, Spokane, Washington (1974-76); an accounts receivable clerk, College of Great Falls (1976-84); and as a bookkeeper, Sisters of Providence, Spokane (1984-90). Before retiring in 2000 to Emilie Court in Spokane, Sr. Cecilia returned to Walla Walla, where she became involved in projects for the poor, tutoring, and volunteering in the church and parish. She also visited and assisted her neighbors. She states, "These were my best years!" Even in retirement, Sr. Cecilia's interest in the church, community and world events were very much alive. In 2022, she moved to St. Joseph Residence, the Sisters' home in West Seattle where she spent her time reading, having conversations, playing Bingo and mostly keeping in touch.

When she was celebrating her 80th anniversary as a Sister of Providence, Sr. Cecilia pensively reflected, "How the years go by." She lived a full, beautiful life, sharing her love for children and the poor. She will be remembered for her wonderful smile, immense kindness, and her intelligence and wit. She will be deeply missed.

Her parents, John and Catherine (Bernini) Paganessi, and her sisters Mary (Paganessi) Carter, Theresa Paganessi, Elizabeth Paganessi and Jenny (Paganessi) Williams preceded her in death. She is survived by her friends and her religious community.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, M1-C, Renton, WA 98057-9016. To view Sr. Cecilia's obituary and picture, and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com.