Name: Calling hours for Cecelia Marion Sullivan
Start: 2016-12-06T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-06T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Bangs Funeral Home - Ithaca

Sullivan, Cecelia Marion

Cecelia Marion Sullivan, 72, of N. Aurora St., Ithaca, passed away Saturday, December 03, 2016. She was born in Montour Falls, daughter of the late William P. Sullivan, Sr. and Theora Swingle Sullivan. Cecelia was a graduate of Ithaca High School and Buffalo State Teacher's College. She was retired from The Lansing School District where she taught at the middle school for over 35 years. Since she never had children of her own she always thought of her students as her children. She was a member of the Lansing Faculty Association, National Education Association and was a mentor with the NY State Liberty Partnership Program. Cecelia had been an election day worker at the polls for many years. She loved providing her beautiful needlepoint gifts to family and friends to mark special occasions and also loved her trips to the casino. Cecelia is survived by her brothers, William P. Sullivan, Jr. (Teresa) of Ithaca and Richard Sullivan (Karen) of Williamsville, NY; her sister, Mary Sullivan Ryan (Bill) of Wexford, PA and her aunt, Mariam Winegar of Alden, NY. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends, including Marlene and Louie Bonanni, Diane Cone, Libby Casey and Barb Morse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Augustine Chumo on Wednesday, December 07, 2016 at 10 am at the Immaculate Conception Church. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, December 06, 2016 from 4 to 6 pm at the Bangs Funeral Home. In consideration of Cecelia's love for cats especially, Rhett, Scarlett, Lancelot and Guinevere, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Tompkins County SPCA.

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Published by Ithaca Journal on Dec. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Cecelia Sullivan

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

21 Entries

December 13, 2016

Goodbye my friend.

Kathy (Phelps) Hall

December 7, 2016

My favorite teacher. Thank you Miss Sullivan for showing me I may have challenges but that doesn't have to stop me from doing anything I wanted. 35 years later I still think what would Miss Sullivan do. Cecelia Sullivan will be greatly missed. My prayers and condolences to family and friends.

December 7, 2016

RIP Miss Sullivan - my favorite teacher from 4th grade. Loved being in your class and earning those "smilies" to buy something from your store.

Kelli Munson

December 7, 2016

One of the most caring compassionate motivating teachers ever, u touched my life among many. God bless. Prayers and condolences to friends and family.

Jeff Uher

December 6, 2016

One of my favorite teachers. She meant so much to so many who were fortunate to have been taught by her. My prayers are with you all.

Rocky & Cindi Steenburgh Family

December 6, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sullivan family. Cel was one of the truly beautiful people. She meant so much to our whole family. She will always be loved and remembered.

Deanna DeLong

December 6, 2016

Miss. Sullivan was an amazing teacher.. I always loved going to her class and being in her class.. I also loved the times we got to eat lunch with her.. rip sweet sweet lady.. please watch over the little angels up there..

Pamela Hines

December 6, 2016

Sending my condolences to the Sullivan family. I have known Cecelia since grade school at Fall Creek and graduated with her from Ithaca High in 1962. I visited her on Friday Dec. 2nd and found her to be cheerful and comfortable. Rest in peace my friend.

Roberta Barnett

December 6, 2016

I am at a loss for words. We had so many good times together and made many memories. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Julie Wright Tibbits

December 6, 2016

Miss Sullivan was my absolute favorite teacher. When I moved to Lansing in 1973 she was my elementary, third grade teacher. She was so loving and kind and made adjusting to a new school so much easier on a little girl that was so scared, had a very sick mother, non existent father, wore glasses, and had trouble making new friends. She made me feel safe. I will never, ever forget her for that. RIP Miss Sullivan.

Jody Oaks

December 6, 2016

She was an amazing teacher, I also had her for 3rd grade! She always had a way of making you feel so special and cared for! I will definitely continue to cherish my childhood memories of third grade and always hold you dear in my heart! RIP my dear teacher, see you again someday!,,,,

Tracey Drake

December 6, 2016

Miss Sullivan taught me,as well as many in third grade at Lansing little School in the 1970's. She was the best.I always thought of her.

Hannah Brown

December 6, 2016

Such a sweetheart she was and we will remember the memories u left us with. We will miss you but we know that u thought of us as your children

Mary Bente

December 5, 2016

Cel was professional, tireless in her efforts to care for all! She was a wonderful addition to all of our lives...students, colleagues, and especially her closest friends. I am glad she touched my life!

Lisa Grimm-Campbell

December 5, 2016

I am sending my heartfelt condolences to Cecelia 's family and friends. I adored her as a young child and am sorry that I never got to know her in my adult years. She was an incredible teacher and the imprints in my child mind include her genuine nature, her kindness, an effervescent and easy smile. I remember so vividly her smile. I am fortunate to have been one of her students.

Georgia Eastman

December 5, 2016

I worked with Cel at Lansing Schools and enjoyed visiting and working with her. She was such a nice person and I can't believe that she is gone. May all of your many memories keep her alive in your hearts.

E Ciaschi

December 5, 2016

My condolences to Cecelia's family. We had many laughs together in High School and after. Many fond memories of a very kind person.

Eddie Ciaschi

Diane Daniels- Kone

December 5, 2016

Dear Cel, You're gone and I can't wrap my head around it. Four decades of friendship! You were so fiercely loyal and dedicated to your friends. I always had you to go to for support and council and during the crooked curves in my life, you were always there as a confidante and advisor. Granted, I did not always heed your advice. You know that. I can remember several times when you shot from the hip, bluntly honest. We didn't always agree, but you always understood me, my passions, my point of view, my pain and my joy. You eagerly helped me to celebrate and rejoice in the good times and lended an understanding ear during the difficult ones. We were all good teachers at Lansing, all dedicated and caring. But, as far as the students were concerned, you were always a step above the rest of us. Your classroom was a magical place, where children felt safe, loved, cherished, and YES, amused. You were so beloved and admired. It's because you were so totally absorbed in making each and every child become all that they were capable of becoming. You handled the delicate situations with such love and tact, never wavering in conviction." Johnny needs another year in 3rd grade...let's give him the GIFT OF TIME." So sensitive and caring! You loved being home, cuddling with your kitties as opposed to me, your friend, who reveled in travel and adventure. You loved watching the YANKEES and those heart stopping March Madness games.You loved creating beautiful needlework creations for each of us. I will treasure always the ones that adorn my home. You found so much pleasure in your relationships with those people that you loved. You once told me, " Di, you collect friends as if they are baseball cards." So, true. But, they are all aquaintences compared to our deep and unqualified friendship. You let fewer numbers of people into that inner circle of yours. But, each and every one of us are now celebrating the fact that you cared so much to have us there. I will think of you whenever I sit at a slot machine. I will think of you whenever I admire your beautiful handywork on my walls. I will think of you whenever I need your guidance and unconditional wisdom. I will think of you often. Thank you for so many, many times when you were there for me and for Amy and for Paula. Rest in peace, my dear friend. What beautiful memories you have left for so many children. (And for me.)

Dennis Eade

December 5, 2016

Thank you for finding, loving and helping a lost little boy 34 years ago! I will always remember your compassion sweet lady. God Bless you and your loved ones.

December 5, 2016

My condolences To Mary and all of Cecelia's family. Cecelia was a lovely, kind person, and she will be missed.
Rick Gravelding, Auburn,New York

Tina VanDerveer

December 5, 2016

My prayers go out to the family of Miss Sullivan. Miss Sullivan was one of my favorite teachers. Always understanding and encouraging her students. She will be missed.
Tina (Little) VanDerveer

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