Marian Cecelia "CeCe" Ganem

Celebrating the Life of Marian Cecelia "CeCe" Ganem

February 12, 1937 – June 9, 2025

Marian Cecelia Ganem-lovingly known as 'CeCe' to her family and friends-was born on February 12, 1937, in Cleburne, Texas, to Arthur Dangerfield Yoist and Lila Christine White. CeCe spent her childhood in Corpus Christi and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 1955. It was in Corpus Christi that she met the love of her life, Richard Ganem. The two were married in August 1957 and spent just shy of 22 beautiful years together.

Their love story brought two wonderful children into the world-Carl, born in 1959 in Corpus Christi, and Terri, born in 1963 during a brief family chapter in New Orleans. The Ganems later returned to Texas, settling in the Westbury neighborhood of Houston, where they raised their family with warmth, love, and countless memories.

CeCe was a devoted and deeply involved mother, always showing up with a giving heart. She volunteered in the local schools, led Girl Scout troops, and cheered on her children at every baseball and softball game, jazz band performance, and dance recital. Her love and encouragement never wavered.

One of the greatest blessings in her life was the enduring friendship she shared with her childhood best friend since the fourth grade, Doriece Petty. CeCe cherished many joyful times with Doriece and her daughters-Debra, Lisa, and Suzanne-and was always proud to be the Godmother to all three.

After losing her beloved husband, Richard, in 1979, CeCe poured her energy into a variety of meaningful roles in real estate, retail, and office management. Her most treasured role, however, was at the Pile' showroom in the Houston Design Center, where she thrived as a sales and design consultant, combining her love of beauty with her impeccable eye for detail.

In 1994, CeCe found her sanctuary in the peaceful community of Indian Shores in Crosby, Texas. She created a cozy home and lovingly tended to her garden-a magical place filled with butterflies, hummingbirds, songbirds, and dragonflies. She spent countless hours working in her garden and loved nothing more than sitting on her back porch with a cup of tea, listening to her wind chimes, and enjoying a deep connection to the beauty of God's world.

CeCe took great pride in living a healthy, natural lifestyle. She was a voracious reader and lifelong learner with an immense thirst for knowledge. She also had a flair for fashion-always dressed to the nines in blingy jewelry and stylish clothes. CeCe was truly a fashionista, and her vibrant spirit always turned heads.

She adored the beach and found peace and joy in the rhythm of the waves and the salt air. Nature, in all its forms, was a deep source of comfort and connection for her.

Of all her roles, being a grandmother was the one she cherished most. Lovingly known as GiGi, she delighted in watching her grandchildren grow, attending every event she could and celebrating each milestone. CeCe was so proud to see all her grandchildren graduate from high school, and two of her grandsons go on to complete college. They were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment with them.

She also had a deep love for animals and cared for many special pets throughout her lifetime. Most recently, her beloved companions were Sailor and Simon-loyal fur-babies who brought her great comfort and joy. They will continue to be cared for with love.

CeCe is preceded in Heaven by her beloved husband, Richard Ganem; her son, Richard Carlton Ganem; her father, Arthur Dangerfield Yoist; her mother, Lila Christine Altimore; her stepfather, Joseph Altimore; her brother, Arthur Dangerfield (Joe) Yoist Jr.; and her goddaughter, Lisa Russell-Fife.

CeCe's legacy will be lovingly carried on by her daughter, Terri Ganem-Budiselich; her son-in-law, Ivan Budiselich; her grandsons, Ricky, Gregory, and Joseph Budiselich; and her granddaughter, Sayda Budiselich. She is also survived by her dear aunt, Martha Frederick of Cleburne, Texas; her cousin, Johnny Moffett, his wife Linda, and their son Jason. Her memory will also be cherished forever by her goddaughters, Debra Favor and husband Mike Vinson, Suzanne Schakett, and Suzanne's daughter, Savannah Schakett. She is also remembered with love by Casey and Vanessa Russell and their children, Tanner, Kaden, Asher, and Story and cousins Wendy Trowbridge-Padilla, and Stacey Trowbridge Ysasi and their families. CeCe also leaves behind many dear friends, including Karen Davis and Derek and Tamara Miller who were as close as family to her, and caring neighbors, and extended family members across Texas and beyond.

Above all, CeCe had a great love for God and country. Her faith, strength, and kindness were evident in the way she lived, loved, and cared for others. Fiercely independent, endlessly graceful, ever optimistic and wonderfully spirited, CeCe was a true 'Steel Magnolia'. Her legacy will endure forever in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to have known her.

A graveside inurnment ceremony will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of CeCe may be made to your favorite charity.