1917
2021
July 28, 1917 - June 26, 2021 On Saturday, June 26th, 2021, Celeste M. McCreary, loving mother of two sons, passed away at the age of 103 at her assisted living home at Villa Gardens in Pasadena, CA. Celeste was the second of five children, born in Redondo Beach, California on July 28, 1917 to Edward Leo Callahan and Severine Obergfel Callahan. Celeste was a lifelong resident of Southern California, living in Redondo Beach, Sierra Madre, Arcadia and Pasadena. While working on her degree at Pasadena Junior College she was selected as a princess in the Tournament of Roses parade in 1936 and kept this event close to her heart for her entire life. She loved to sing and had a beautiful operatic voice, often performing at weddings and in the Church choir. On many Saturdays her house was filled with the sound of opera from her favorite composers, Verde and Puccini. Shortly after the Rose Parade she married Harrison M. (Bud) Bains. During her marriage to Bud they had two sons, Harrison M. Bains Jr. and William H. Bains. After divorcing Bud in 1952, she married again in 1956 to Clarence (Norm) Morrison and together they had a very successful business in Sierra Madre with "Norm's Garage" on the corner of Baldwin and E. Montecito. They lived in Arcadia but were very active in Sierra Madre and volunteered yearly to help build the Tournament of Roses Float and gave many hours with the Historical Society and the Independent Garage Owners of California. After Norm's passing in 1985, Celeste moved back to Sierra Madre and remained active with the Rose Float Association, the Historical Society and volunteered many days per week at the Daz-ee Shop in Altadena, which was run by her chapter of the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). In 1986 she married Dr. Ralph McCreary and they had a very happy but short time together as he passed away in 1987. After Ralph's passing Celeste remained active in her beloved community, so much so that in 1989 she was named Citizen of the Year for Sierra Madre in recognition of the countless hours she had donated to the city. When Celeste was 80 she moved from Sierra Madre to Villa Gardens, a retirement community in Pasadena, where she lived an active life traveling with friends, enjoying many visits with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, knitting countless blankets for the Red Cross and volunteering at the Daz-ee Shop until she finally was unable to drive at age 94. Passing years forced her to move into an assisted living apartment at the age of 98, and she remained there until her death a month shy of her 104th birthday. Celeste is survived by her son, Harrison Bains and his wife Leslie of Nantucket, MA, and their children, Harrison Bains III and his wife Colleen O'Brien of Los Angeles, CA and Tawney Bains and her husband, Zachary Roberts of Santa Monica, CA. Also, Celeste's son William Bains and his wife Robin, of Port Angeles, WA, and their son Joshua Bains and his wife Ariella, of Atlanta, GA. Celeste is also survived by her six Great Grandchildren, her sister Patricia Meredith of Titusville, FL.. and brother-in-law Len Kennett of Long Beach, CA. Celeste had a wonderful 100th birthday party in 2017 surrounded by a large number of her family and friends. As Celeste requested, there will be no memorial service, so we would like to remember that happy gathering as we celebrate a life well lived by a very special lady. Per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered near her son William's home on the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington state.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Pasadena Star-News.
2 Entries
We loved Celeste. Such a dear wonderful lady. She was such a part of our lives during the years we were involved with Norm´s/Mike´s Garage. Such a generous heart and beautiful person. We were so lucky to have her in our lives. She had a long full life and we know your family will miss her.
Shari & Mike Eing
Friend
July 19, 2021
My condolences to Mac and Bill. Your mother is fondly remembered by those of us who still go to the Church of the Ascension. RIP and may light perpetually shine upon you.
Roger John Keith
July 17, 2021
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more