Celia M. "Ceci" McCurdy

Celia "Ceci" McCurdy (nee McDevitt), 86, of Rochester, NY died peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by her family and her Pastor.

She is survived by her children: Melissa Lawler, Scott McCurdy (Sarah), Megan LaRue (James), and 4 grandchildren: Olivia and Alexis McCurdy, and Meryl and Devyn LaRue. She will also be dearly missed by her two youngest sisters Debbie Blossom and Cackie Eastburn, and her nieces and nephews Jennifer Truszkowski, Amy O'Neil, David Blossom, and Stephen Becker. Ceci was predeceased by her parents Warren and Cecelia McDevitt, and sister Wendy Brooks.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Ceci moved to Lake Lucerne in Chagrin Falls, OH at age 10 where she had many happy days growing up with her three sisters and a special group of friends affectionately called the "Mud-Puddlers". As an adult, in 1963 Ceci moved to Rochester, NY where she began her family and built a life rooted in faith, friendship and service.

Ceci had a lifelong love of the shore – sunshine, surf, collecting seashells, and the memories made at every beach she visited.

Her deep faith and commitment to community were evident in her 62 years at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, where as a parishioner she served in nearly every type of role. Her legendary work on the Hospitality Committee and her more recent dedication to the Outreach Committee touched countless lives. She was also a proud member of the handbell choir. She was a beloved member of the church family.

In 1985, Ceci became the first official receptionist at Paychex headquarters when it opened, where she continued to work in various positions for 28 years.

She also served on the Board of Directors of Friendship Children's Center 2000-2006 and held multiple leadership roles with the Neutral Ground support group from 1985- 1999.

In recent years, Ceci found joy in YMCA classes and the friendships she formed there.

She loved gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted patron of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Geva Theater. In her younger years she enjoyed golf, skiing and sailing.

Ceci will be remembered as a vibrant, loving, active, resilient person of faith – someone who radiated warmth, kindness and grace. She was deeply loved by her family, her church community, and her many friends, and she will be profoundly missed.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 25th, at 10:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, 36 South Main St., Pittsford NY,14534.
Reception to follow in the Fellowship Room.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Christ Church Outreach Fund at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, or The Acoustic Neuroma Association (anausa.org).