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Celeste Mariani Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Celeste Mariani
Nancy "Tex" Beha
September 1, 2022
Dear friend I miss you every single day. Tex
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
January 15, 2009
Today is your birthday, Aunt Cess. A few of us are celebrating this day in your honor because you always loved birthdays and helped celebrate our birthdays with great festivity.
Jeanette also wanted to remind that you are both the same age for the next six months even though you always teased about being so much younger!
Happy Birthday. We are thinking about you today and always.
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
December 27, 2008
Dear Aunt Cess...where were you this Christmas? We have been doing all the things you like to do...like dinners with family and friends and Christmas cheer and laughter...presents and family time. Plays and walks in Central Park. I think you are here and we see your smiling face and toasted you many times for all the great laughs and fun and wonderful dinners and certainly fond memories. Thank you! A great example for all.
Tex beha
December 26, 2008
Well, another friend joined you in "the other world" this month. Father Joe. The times you must be having! But, we miss you here. Your joy of life, your cooking, your laughter is so missed this Holiday season.
Faith Grill
November 27, 2008
The NY Chapter of Silver Wings just had their annual hoilday party.Planning it without my wonderful friend and treasurer was the hardest job I've had to do all year. We missed you so much, Celeste. Love always
Jeanne Sullivan
November 27, 2008
And here it is Thanksgiving...one of your favorite holidays. We will miss you cooking in our kitchen - laughing and enjoying family and friends this holiday.
Christina Passarella
October 7, 2008
I have many fond memories of Celeste who was a role model for all with her caring heart, energy and zest for life. I am truly richer for having had the privilege of knowing her.
Barbara O'Connor
October 5, 2008
Double crossings on the 707 with Celeste when I was on International Reserve...what a memory.....what a great lady.....the smile, the welcoming attitude, the total professionalism, the understanding, the love.....she will be missed by all.
Jeanette Mariani
September 23, 2008
Dear Cess...as I read the beautiful memories from family and wonderful friends all thoughts are similar..your smile, joy of life, shared wisdom and endless receptiveness to new experiences..I watched you live out your creed of "staying in the moment, letting go and acceptance."...I love you & miss you, Jeanette
jimmy
September 21, 2008
it was the summer of 1955 and Mom tells me that Aunt Cessie is coming to visit us at 225 Algonquin in Marquette Heights and I can hardly contain myself. I walk up the street a half block and climb a hill that gives me a vantage point. After what seems like forever, I see her blue 53 Chevy approaching from the north and by that time I run back to the front yard I am weeping uncontrollably with joy as she hugs me and Pookie and kisses away our tears.
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
September 20, 2008
I am enjoying reading so many words of gratefulness by friends who knew our "Aunt Cess". She touched so many lives in a positive way - bringing joy and hope to thousands of people in her life's journey. What a role model for all of us. Thank you for sharing these many thoughts and memories. Please encourage friends to write to the Guest Book. Her family so appreciates reading these words.
Pam and Rick Morris
September 15, 2008
"It's not the altitude, it's the attitude" is one of my favorite quotes from Aunt Cess. It says it all. She was SUCH a wonderful person and we will miss seeing her when we visit our dear friends Jeanne and John Sullivan in NYC. When I think of her smiling face it makes me smile.
Peter Mariani
September 15, 2008
Cess,thanks for being my amazing sister. Bud
Rick (and Jeff) Buhrke (and Sherman)
September 14, 2008
Dear Celeste,
We only knew you a short time but I was hoping for so much more. You made us enjoy our cruise around South America with your sunshiny attitude. Trivia games meant more because you were part of them. When last we saw you, this past holiday season in NYC for lunch, you were as alive and vibrant as ever. I will always remember you as you were when we said good-bye -- with your full length fur coat on and a bright red hat looking like a million dollars. I'm sure that where ever your are, you're impressing people with your charm and wit. We'll miss you!
Carol Sheehan
September 14, 2008
Dear Celeste, I'm sorry I missed saying goodbye to you. You left so fast. I'll really miss you at Silver Wings because you were going to be my room-mate. You know I will miss you on this earth, but I will carry your Laugher,Love and Gifts forever in my heart. Celeste, make them laugh in heaven!! Love, Carol
Mitchell King
September 13, 2008
My Aunt Cess, my brother Michael and I will always miss you. Chicago, Lake Geneva, Sebastopol....just to mention a few of the places we enjoyed life. You will live on through the hearts of our children. Travel on.
Anne Brydon
September 13, 2008
Dear, dear Celeste, What a joy you were, and no doubt still are! I know you are looking down on us and telling us not to be sad, but we are because we can't see that beautiful smile of yours. Forgive us, we know you do! You were the very best TWA produced, and that is saying a lot! I will miss you. Love, Anne
Lea Bell Caliandro
September 13, 2008
Celeste was one of the most remarkable women I ever knew. She had the unique ability to rise above the petty things in life, and was an inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her. I will miss her terribly.
Lissi Gray
September 13, 2008
To my good friend Celest:
Just looking at you made me smile and how often did that smile turn into laughter , with tears running down our cheeks. The tears are back, but I'm so sad, I can't even bid you a final farewell. I cherish the memories and I know the many TWA angels gone before you are welcoming you with open arms, "Heavens party" is just starting !
Until we meet again!
Love ya
Lissi
Nancy "Tex" Beha
September 12, 2008
Oh, my dear Celeste. So many years of wonderful friendship and shared "life". You leave a huge hole in my heart.
julie blumstein
September 12, 2008
Celeste always seemed to be having the most fun. She was upbeat, happy and enjoyed life. She was younger than her years and more active than others her age. She led a robust life up until the end. May she rest in peace.
June Freemanzon
September 12, 2008
My dear Celeste....
It was a trip to New Orleans some 20 years ago and then a cruise to Alaska that began our "odyssey" which was global on big ships, little ships, sailing vessels and motor vessels. The adventures were always exciting and fun because of your great positive outlook on life. Thank you for our dear friendship and will always treasure our many happy memories. I will miss you.
Your travel pal "June Bug"
Link Linkiewicz/Mathewson
September 12, 2008
From our first flight together in the mid-50s, I knew that Celeste and I would be friends forever. And so it was. There are no words to describe the void she has left in those who knew her.
Michael King
September 11, 2008
Celeste was around when I was born in Chicago to Peggy King (Leiter). My mom and her sister Doris flew together back in the day. Aunt Celeste, you were a huge influence on my decisions to travel the world myself. I will always love you.
Jo Coleman
September 11, 2008
Aunt Cess, what a beautiful person you were.They say many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. And you did that... She will be missed..... Love Jo Coleman
Marilyn Ayars
September 11, 2008
Celeste, "spice sister", my spiritual guru and world travel companion, we missed you on our National Parks/Las Vegas trip this summer. But you were with us while visiting majestic wonders. I have many great memories of all our other adventures together....like going to the Spice Market in Istanbul or hailing the cab in New York! I'll always remember your energy, positive attitude, sage advise, and great laugh. Thank you for all your support, and great wisdom....and I'll always try to "stay in the moment"! Much Love, Marilyn
Kathleen Ince
September 11, 2008
Celeste will be greatly missed just because of how great it was to work with her, enjoy her special zest for life and her niceness. We always had fun and of course did the service perfectly You were one of a kind from the "white gloves" era and on. I always looked for you at our conventions to visit and get an update on your doings.
Kathleen Ince
September 11, 2008
Celeste will be greatly missed in so many ways, because of how great it was to work with her, enjoy her special zest for life and her niceness. We always had fun and of course did the service perfectly You were one of a kind from the "white gloves" era and on. It was always so good to see you at the conventions.You will be so missed.
Kathleen Ince
September 11, 2008
Celeste will be greatly missed just because of how great it was to work with her, enjoy her special zest for life and her niceness. We always had fun and of course did the service perfectly You were one of a kind.
Irene Tata Kotschoubey
September 10, 2008
I miss you Celeste. You have been such a good friend to me; I try to "stay in the moment" everyday. Thank you for sharing your love, kindness and warmth with me and my family. You were a great neighbor and a wonderful friend.
Thank you for taking the time to say good-bye to little Sophia, she misses you too.
May God grant your soul eternal rest and a place in heaven with His angels.
Doris and Wilson Baumgras
September 10, 2008
celeste and I went through training toether in l949, my twin sister peggy was with us, all chicago girls, iwill never forget the laughs and the good times. never will i forget especially your beautiful warm smile. love to peter and all your dear family
Nancy Kulinski
September 10, 2008
Anything I can say will be a duplicate of all the tributes to Celeste, whom I've known since my beginnings in Chicago. I'd like to offer a favorite verse which says more than I can.
Garden of Proserpine by Swinburne
From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free.
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods may be
That no life lives forever,
That dead men rise up never,
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
Rest in peace, dear Celeste
Richard Wagner
September 10, 2008
As a TWA Purser I was privileged to work with Celeste many times and to know her over many decades. Celeste is a wonderful, warm and caring person and was always a joy to be around. Her smile was infectious and her joy of living was as well. While Celeste is enjoying that first class service in Heaven, Celeste will always be in our hearts and will always bring a smile to our face. Thank you Celeste for allowing us to be part of your life.
margaret albert
September 10, 2008
a beautiful lady will be missed terribly. with love. margaret albert
Tina Behrends
September 10, 2008
Dear Aunt Cess
Thanks for sharing your life lessons with all of us....I thank God for the last year I had with you...I promise I will pay it forward to the rest of the world...Tina Mariani Behrends
pat marker
September 10, 2008
Gosh, will there be room in the church for all the Romans.........how they loved her (at least all of them who worked at the airport!....she really knew how to get the service right with smiles, cajoling , kidding and the occasional raised eyebrow......
How wonderful it would be if we were all missed the way she will be!
Patty Scheel/TWA Silverwings
September 9, 2008
Celeste was a gracious lady & a joy to know. Heaven's wings will gently embrace her forever.
Jovanna Brown Kline
September 9, 2008
Celeste, your death has left your Mariani family and your TWA family bereft.
We all loved and admired you, you little pixie! Your sparkling personality, your amazing attitude, your adorable face and haircut... oh, you will be missed for so many reasons.
It was such a treat to work with you because you were always calm in-flight; no crazy passenger or situation was so disastrous that you'd let it blow your cool.
I loved being on layovers with you, too. You didn't leave me, a junior "kid", behind in Rome or wherever; instead, you invited me to join you and your senior friends for dinner where we all sang and acted silly.
You were the perfect hostess and a wonderful role model for the rest of us, Celeste, and now you are among the real Trans World Angels; whoever gets you as a guardian angel will be very lucky indeed.
Norma Adams
September 9, 2008
What a loss to all of us who were lucky enough to have known Celeste. I never saw her without a smile on her face. YOU WILL BE MISSED DEAR LADY!
Gail Eastburn Schultz
September 9, 2008
What a joy it was to fly with you and to be with you. Life was a party I know the party will continue in Heaven. Love and peace to you! Gail
Judie Whitney
September 9, 2008
Next week will be our annual TWA Silverwings gathering of friends in Toronto, Canada. I cannot believe Celeste will not be there! She was a delight to be with both on and off the airplane and always brought out the best in everyone. Here's hoping your last flight was full of wonderful passengers,good weather,an on time arrival and a soft cloud landing. We will miss you terribly but your indomitable spirit will be with us in Toronto and ever after. Hugs and love, Judie and Jim Whitney
Cheryl A. Kellogg
September 9, 2008
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. I knew Celeste when I flew out of New York in the 1960's and thought highly of her.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Kellogg, Silver Wings International
donna wong
September 9, 2008
Though Celeste and I never met but as part of the TWA flight attendant family, please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Donna Wong
Erica Ruitenbach/Richardson
September 8, 2008
My condolences to the family!! What a First Class Lady she was with a great sense of humor and fun. I remember when she came to pin you at your graduation Janet and we spoke of you a lot at the Silver Wing conventions i know she will be missed by all of us. My thoughts are with all of you.
With love, Erica
Pat Gordon
September 8, 2008
When I was a brand new "Hostess" in Chicago, Celeste was always so sweet and helpful to us naive, young ladies.I have always loved her, and will miss her. God Bless You, Girl!
Beth Holcombe
September 8, 2008
Always with a smile, a kind word or thought, Celeste was the woman we all wanted to be when we grew up. I remember particularly the eighth day of a ten day trip on a layover in Chicago. It was Palm Sunday and many of us were far from home. That evening, when she reported for duty, Celeste gave each of us a cross she had woven from palm leaves...a simple gesture so full of love, yet one I remembered and never failed to thank her for, every time we met.
Your life was a celebration. So too will be your life in eternity. God bless you, Celeste.
Marlene & John Trice
September 8, 2008
What a terrific, classy ,charming lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers and will always be remembered for the wonderful TWA Hostess we always enjoyed working with. We had so much fun in Cairo and Bombay. You always had that wonderful smile and great sense of humor. We will miss seeing you.
Jeannie Reeves
September 8, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies in your time of this great loss.
Celeste was my first purser on my first international flight on TWA. She taught me well and made sure we had a great time in Rome. She was so very kind to me, taking me under her wing. Because of her kind spirit, I tried to help all those who were junior to me--as she had shown me how. She was a wonderful lady--a true gem--one of a kind.
The Lord will be receiving a wonderful person in Celeste.
Elizabeth Conlon
September 8, 2008
God rest your beautiful soul ! I'm stunned
at your death! Loved flying with you and got to know you even better in retirement.
Celeste always sharing favorite restaurants
and places to see.
Will miss your smiling face and your kindness.
Gina and Mike Kubacik
September 8, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Aunt Cess.......what an inspirational life!
Robin Arendt
September 8, 2008
What an honor to have known her and flown with her as a fellow F/A on our TWA flights.
She always had a sunny disposition, a wonderful sense of humor and a wonderful smile.
I'll miss seeing her at our TWA F/A conventions.
Celeste Bradley
September 8, 2008
Our Aunt Cess gave us wings both literally and figuratively! She opened the world to us through flight and encouraged us to think globally as young children. Now we have pasted that legacy on to our children! Thank you Godmother and namesake! Love, Celeste
Christine & Dieter Ruf
September 8, 2008
Such a charming and lovely lady Celeste, was the embodiment of a TWA Hostess. . Fondest memory of her was standing in front of a huge truck blocking entry to TWA during the Icahn strike, on picket duty. An honour to have known her, so gracious always, Christine and Dieter Ruf
Faith Grill
September 8, 2008
Dearest Celeste,
You taught me more about living life to the fullest and about dying with courage than anyone I have ever known. I will always try to remember to "stay in the moment". The world is a dimmer place without you in it, and I love you dearly.
jim Mariani
September 8, 2008
She had saved my little letters to her from the time i was 8 till 24! Just re read them. What tears of joy. Jim
Celeste, Vancouver B.C - August 2007
Tina Vasvani
September 7, 2008
Rest in Peace Dearest Cessie.
You will always be an inspiration of a life lived to the fullest with happiness, gratitude and grace.
We love and miss you.
Nimmi, Tina and Vik Vasvani
Janet Mariani
September 7, 2008
Dear Sweet Aunt Celeste...You are now on the flight of your life! I love you and miss you dearly...thank you for being such a precious member of the family...Know that you are loved and fought the good fight and Won....Enjoy Heaven...God Bless Love you Janet XXOOXX
Celeste on a recent cruise to South America
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
September 7, 2008
We welcome family and friends to share their happy memories regarding this remarkable woman, Celeste.
Jeanne Mariani Sullivan
September 7, 2008
We encourage friends and family to write and leave their thoughts of joy and happy memories regarding this remarkable woman, Celeste Mariani. She was "Aunt Cess" to us.
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