Cecelia Elizabeth Van Antwerp

Cecelia Elizabeth Van Antwerp, age 85, passed away on April 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Cecelia was born on November 2, 1939, in Ramapo, New York, one of four children of Thomas Stewart Martin and Bernice Catherine (Frushour) Martin. Her father, of Scottish and Irish descent, attended Holy Rosary School-where, coincidentally, her future husband's granduncle, Msgr. Francis Selah Van Antwerp, served as pastor. Her mother, of Irish descent, was born in Noblesville, Indiana.
Cecelia's father became a top salesman for West Chemical Corp. The family moved often in her early years, living in Chicago, Illinois; Ramsey, New Jersey; and eventually returning to their hometown of Detroit, Michigan. Her siblings Thomas and Mary Dolores were born in Chicago. She also had an older brother John Frushour who she adored.
She attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Cecelia began her career as a receptionist and cashier at Witbeck Appliances in Ferndale, Michigan. There, she observed top salesmen in action and developed a sharp eye for detail, especially when balancing the cash drawer to the penny.
In June 1958, Cecelia met the love of her life, Daniel Van Antwerp, at a party hosted by her best friend, Janet Mentier, in Royal Oak. Danny knew instantly that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married on February 7, 1959, at St. Dennis Church in Royal Oak, with five Catholic priests-all related to Danny-present at the wedding Mass. The reception was held at the Scarab Club in Detroit, where Cecelia's father, an accomplished artist, was a member.
Together, Cecelia and Daniel raised four daughters-Ann Elizabeth, Catherine Denise, Mary Patricia, and Karen Marie-all born at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Detroit. The arrival of their second daughter came swiftly after a night of dancing at Janet Mentier's wedding, prompting the doctor to recommend slower, induced labors for future births.
The family began in a modest two-bedroom home in Detroit, later upgrading to a four-bedroom house where they lived for 30 years. In 1994, they built their dream home and moved to Troy, Michigan.
Cecelia held several jobs throughout her life, bringing grace and diligence to each one. She worked at Dingeman Incentives for family friend Dave Dingeman and later became a top saleswoman in women's designer fashion at Hudson's at Northland Mall. She continued her career in retail at Jacobson's in Birmingham and then led the precious jewelry department at Bonwit Teller in Troy. In her final working years, she contributed her talents to her friend Edith Kaufman's Poster Gallery in the Fisher Building in Detroit.
A dedicated volunteer, Cecelia delivered Meals on Wheels and drove seniors for Troy People Concerned. She was also a gifted gardener-her azaleas, rhododendrons, sunflowers, and window boxes delighted the neighborhood. Indoors, she nurtured African violets, orchids, and tall palm trees, earning her family's designation as a "master gardener."
Over the years, Cecelia became an exceptional cook. Though early meals often consisted of hot dogs, baked beans, and spaghetti, her culinary skills flourished later in life. Thanksgiving was her favorite meal to make after attending the parade each year. For the past two decades, she consistently created delicious, diverse meals for her loved ones.
A talented dancer from a young age, Cecelia took ballet and tap lessons and began teaching dance at just 14. Later in life, she reignited her passion for dance and movement through folk dancing-especially Romanian and Israeli styles. She became one of Michigan's most accomplished Israeli dancers, even teaching at local synagogues. Her beloved instructor, "Sunny," was a Holocaust survivor whose strength and spirit left a lasting impression.
Cecelia loved animals deeply. Her first dog, "Noya," a retired guide dog from the Rochester Leader Dog School, became her faithful childhood companion. Later, she had a German Shepherd named "Tiny" who once famously chased off a boyfriend of her sister's. Over the years, she cared for many dogs, two cats, and even rescued worms from sidewalks after rain. Her respect for all living things was unwavering.
Cecelia is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Daniel; their daughters: Ann Van Antwerp Wyers, Cathy Partalis (Lori Steele), Mary Moylan (Dennis), and Karen Van Antwerp (Michael Heupel); six grandchildren: Audrey, Patrick, Dakota, Tyler, Alec, and Lydia; two great-grandsons: Asher and Jase.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 4–8 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Road (between Maple & Big Beaver), Troy, MI. (248) 362-2500 A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church, 4571 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48085. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed. To view, please click here.
Cecelia's kindness, creativity, and spirit will live on in all those who knew and loved her.
Memorial tributes are suggested to Michigan Humane or St. Vincent de Paul.