Cecelia Lucas

1932 - 2021

Cecelia Lucas
Cecelia (Rilling) Lucas, 89, of New Canaan, CT, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2021 at Notre Dame Convalescent Home, in Norwalk, CT with her son Joe, her youngest daughter Sharon and her best friend of 60 years, Bessie Brown by her side. Cel was born on October 19, 1932 in Wilton, CT to Elwood and Catherine Kelly Rilling. Soon after she was born her Mom and Dad ventured around the corner to Silvermine in New Canaan, where the entire Rillihg clan lived their entire lives. They lived a good life making many close friends who were with them until the end of their lives. Cel was so proud to have spent all of her school years at the Little Red Schoolhouse in New Canaan, CT, with Miss Ruth Kelly as her only teacher, and in later years, her friend.
Cel loved everybody she met, always making everyone feel at ease. With her caring spirit and far reaching love, Mom made sure that our home was filled good karma, and that there were more happy times than not, in our home. Playing cards around the table with our treasured family and friends, young and old alike, we were all card sharks, these times were always magical at the Lucas House.
Baking for the holidays, craft projects on our dining room table. To everyone that has accepted our ornaments and handmade gifts, you made our hearts full.
Growing up and old with a group of wives and hubbys, that were affectionately known as the "Clubbers," Lois and Joe Kelly, Dorothy Oman, Pat and Dan Santarella, Ann Mastroianni, Barbara Miller. To this day, they are only a phone call, greeting card or email away. Through the "Clubbers," special thanks to their kids, Cheryl and Cosmo Schichitano, Bob and Bonnie Russo, Danny and Susan Russo, and all of their kids. Our circle of friends grew exponentially through the years. With Mom and Dad selflessly volunteering wherever they could, leading us to treasure our extended family; in the UK, Jill, David, Penny, Ian and Moria Scott, Susan Marshal, of Juneau Alaska, for taking us on a wild journey from the Arctic Circle and points south. Carol Koenig in assisting Mom's vision of writing and subsequently publishing her book "The Writings."
Over the years, our extended family members at the Town of New Canaan DPW, were, and continue to be so very special to each of us. Mom was always treated by each of you as if she were your own Mom. Not a day went by in our house that we didn't marvel and give thanks for our circle of those we loved and loved us. Each of you brought wonderful memories into all our lives. We will always remember The Annual George Cogswell Memorial Fishing Derby and lunch with the guys. There were always visits to the Wilton Fire Department, often on the way to lunch and bingo, kindness abounded from each of you. We hope you know how much each of you meant to Mom. Mom's kindness, gratitude and spirituality were far reaching and spanned many decades creating a wonderful life for all that knew her.
Cel was predeceased by her husband, Joseph M. Lucas, Jr., as well as her Sister, Kathleen Huzina, and several wonderful brothers-in-law, Bob Lucas, Phil Lucas and Ed Ulatowski. Her best friends, Delores (Cooper) Whitehead and Barb Russo. As her spirit made its way off this earth on Sunday, her kids, Cathy Horn (Bob), Joe Lucas Ill, Sharon Lucas Rochette and her husband, Jay, are left to carry on her spirit, pay forward all the kindness, laughter and gratitude that we were raised with, to every person we meet.
Cel is survived by sister in laws, Barbara Lucas, Shirley Ulatowski and last but not least, Edie Lucas, her brother-in-law, Kenny Lucas, nieces, Kathleen Arroyo, Debbie (John) Gagliardi, Dianne (Michael) Chervansky, Donna (Edwin) Perez, Geri (Dave) Kliff-Pelletier, Lori (Ed) Connors, Barbie (Pat) Tedesco, Nephews, Eddie Ulatowski, and Michael Huzina, and so many kids of the nieces and nephews. Each of you held a special place in Aunt Cel's heart. For this we thank you all for making Mom's life a life to be cherished.
RVNA Hospice In Ridgefield and their wonderful staff, Stephanie and Sofia, Karen T., Karen D., Sherrye, Varic, Rosa, Callie, Amy, Sandra. You were our angels this last year.
Sister Francois, Sister Mary Lucy, Lorri, Angela, Claire, Lia, Jenne, Evon , Richard and Nathan, and the entire staff whose support, guidance and loving care made the last months of Cel's life happy, loved and comfortable. Thanks to all of you at Notre Dame Convalescent Home.
Special thanks to my brother Joe, who has been there for Mom every step on the path of life, and my sister Sharon, embrace yourself and know that Mom loved you as much as life itself. The three of us kids were a force to be reckoned with. Thankfully we were able to pool our energy and keep going. There is no doubt in my mind that Mom knew she was so well loved.
Joe, Sharon and Cathy are planning to have a service in the spring.