Cecilia Antoinette Strauss

Cecilia Antoinette Strauss, 91, passed peacefully from this life into the waiting arms of Jesus and the angels on August 18, 2025. Cecilia is predeceased in death by her son, James Charles Haufe, her granddaughter Mandella Marie Haufe, her son-in-law Robert Thomas Read III (Chip), her parents Marie (Slatterick) and Charles James Strauss, sisters Jo-Ruth Strauss and Zita Marie Cupp; brother Andrew Leo Strauss; her first husband and the father of her children Edward Louis Haufe Jr. Cecilia is survived by her son Edward Louis Haufe III (Connie) of Forksville, PA; daughter Roseann Read of St. Augustine, FL; daughter Linda Marie Nutter (Timothy) of Woodstock, GA; daughter Margaret Ellen Haufe of Knoxville, TN; her brother Charles Alexander Strauss of Faber, Virginia; granddaughter Beth Ellen Bittner (Don) of Bryson City, NC; granddaughter Kirsten Elizabeth Kozinski (Matt) of Manchester, CT; granddaughter Danielle Kayla Bresser of Denver, CO; granddaughter Lynae Cecile Bresser (Cecilia's birthday twin) of Flagstaff, AZ; grandson Devin Alexander Bresser (Pelin), of Madison, WI; great-grandson Nathan Dishneau of Spokane, WA, and several nieces and nephews. Born on April 7, 1934 and growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia, Cecilia married young and then moved a lot, raising her five children in West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Louisiana, California, Idaho, Connecticut and Tennessee. Cecilia always said she wished she had come to Tennessee decades earlier as she loved it the most of all with its beautiful mountains, enjoyable climate and friendly people. Although her family was spread far and wide, Cecilia remained the matriarch and the central loving figure to whom everyone turned for advice. Offering unconditional and unwavering support, Cecilia had a heart full of love and generosity. No shrinking violet, Cecilia had a strong mind and could be feisty at times. Cecilia was a busy person who was always on the go and got things done. Until the end, Cecilia's mind was as sharp as a tack and she remembered every family member's birthday and other important events. Cecilia had the greenest thumb and loved tending to her plentiful indoor house plants and took pride in the many stunning flower beds in her yard. She was gifted at taking the smallest tendril and growing it into a beautiful plant. Throughout her life, Cecilia had many roles including as a real estate agent and bank teller, but her primary focus was always on her children and her home. She loved baking and her Christmas cookies were legendary. Cecilia had a knack for creating a cozy home where everyone would feel welcome. She enjoyed changing up the decor to celebrate each season. One could never visit Cecilia's home without being offered tea or a snack, and usually went home with a cutting from a plant or some other gift from the home. With dark soulful eyes and a brilliant smile that would light up any room, Cecilia was beautiful both outside as well as inside. Cecilia was known as a prayer warrior and spent hours each day praying for loved ones. She sent angels to anyone traveling and anyone in need. There is no doubt that Cecilia is now in the arms of those angels enjoying the peace and rest that she so deserved. The family will receive friends from 4:00pm-6:00pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Rose Funeral and Cremation – Mann. A Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.