Celia Faella

1911 - 2016

PAWTUCKET - Celia (Vaughn) Faella, a lifetime resident of Pawtucket, died peacefully Wednesday May 11, 2016 at her home surrounded by family. She was 105.

Celia was born to parents Sarah and Hugh Vaughn on January 12 1911, in Central Falls. She grew up in Pawtucket, the youngest of five children, in the home she was to reside in for the next 97 years.

A graduate of Tabbert Hubbard Business School, she worked for several firms as a secretary. The most notable at 'Improved Pencil.' A conveyor mishap on the factory floor introduced her to Henry P. Faella – the handsome Italian foreman who was to become her husband of more than 30 years.

The mother of three children, Richard Faella, Camilla Byrne and Helen Melucci, she took pride in their accomplishments and was not hesitant about occasional bragging. Only her youngest child, Helen, survives her.

In mid-life Celia took up ceramics and oil painting as her creative outlets. She went on to paint some treasured landscapes and still lifes but her ceramics passion lasted from the 1970's through the 1990's. She made decorative pieces that were shared as gifts to individuals throughout New England and the U.S. For many of those years she held ceramics classes making some of her best friends while teaching them the latest techniques.

The nucleus of her friends and family, she invited gathering of all in her kitchen. She hosted many over a meal or cup of coffee. Nothing pleased her more than a plate cleaned by a hungry visitor.

She was enlightened and energized by her 10 grandchildren. Later she would be amazed and delighted by her 15 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed spoiling each generation and celebrated her time among them.

Celia loved the beach, the sea air and the sun. She followed the same soap operas for 40 years, loved trips to the casinos, read every Danielle Steel novel at least once and always had ice cream in the freezer.

She was known as much for her ageless beauty and style as for her generosity and genuine unconditional love. She charmed everyone she ever met. It is through those whom have known and loved her that her inimitable spirit will endure.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 16, 2016 at 10 a.m. in Saint Leo the Great Church of Pope John Paul II Parish, 699 Central Ave., Pawtucket. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Insight, 43 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02888, in-sight.org or Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI, 02904.