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Celia Sacks Obituary

Celia Sacks

April 6, 1930 to February 7, 2015

Celia was born to Cornelius and Hanna (nee Murphy) McAuliffe on their farm at Glash Bridge, Newmarket, Cork, Ireland. Her childhood within a large, loving family was joyful and warm. After completing nurses' training, she moved to San Francisco in 1956, where she met Hal, "a brilliant man?the best guy in San Francisco!" They were very happily married for 47 years. Celia worked many of those years as a nurse, which included nursing in the same Kaiser Hospital on Geary Street that cared so well for her recently.
Hal's death was devastating to Celia. She dwindled to 82 pounds after a three week coma and was left extremely weak. But with her sister's devotion and her own perseverance, Celia learned to walk again. As she commonly said "never give up." Celia sold her home and moved into Vintage Golden Gate senior living facility on 19th Ave. There she developed her artistic painting, practiced yoga and tai chi, mastered emailing, wrote a regular column of biographies for the Vintage newsletter, and made many friends.
Always part of a large close family, Celia is predeceased by sisters Tess Crumb of Santa Rosa, Joan McAuliffe of San Francisco, Maureen Walters of England, Eileen O'Riordan of Ireland and brothers Tim of South San Francisco, Nelius, Dan, Darby and Patrick of Ireland. Loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews in US, England, and Ireland. Devoted sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many. She will be dearly missed. "Ar dheis D? go raibh a hanam", which translates from Irish to mean "may her soul be at the right hand of God". By her wishes, Celia had a small private service and was buried with her husband at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

February 24, 2015

I am so very sad to learn of Celia's passing. She and Hal were first rate cousins. They welcomed me to the Bay Area as a young college student and we enjoyed many hearty meals in that wonderful SF kitchen and flat. Celia always inquired about my children and immediate family as well as my extended family and we enjoyed our family tie very much. My condolences to her close family and friends. I will say kaddish for her as I fondly remember her and know that she is at peace.
Shelley Horwitz (cousin)

February 20, 2015

My condolences and sympathy to all of my dear cousin Celia's family. Her heart was always open to others, and she and cousin Hal will always remain in mine.
Gerta Farber

February 18, 2015

To All the Family;

A candle shines brightly in Knockaderry Church, Co. Limerick, Ireland for Celia. We will all miss her. She will be remembered with fondness. May she now Rest In Peace.

With Deepest Sympathy to All.

Neil, Joan, Michael, Neil and Shauna Sexton

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