Cecelia Soldano O'Leary

Cecelia Soldano O’Leary passed away Friday, October 5, 2018 at the age of 94 years old, with her loving family by her side. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, David Patrick O’Leary, who passed away on April 2, 2003. They were married on February 8, 1947. She is also preceded in death by her mother and father, Lillie and Anthony Soldano and her sister, Rose Harvey. She is survived by her daughter Pamela Caronia, sons, David and Darren, and daughter-in-law, Patricia. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sean, Ryan, Emily and Daniel, her nephew Cyril, and her nieces Lisa, Linda, Lydia and Janice.

She was born and lived a long, great life in New Orleans, Louisiana. She attended The Academy of Sacred Heart, graduated from Eleanor McMain high school, and went on to attend Business College.

She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Agnes Church. Cecelia also participated in many organizations over her life, such as, The St. Agnes Mother’s Club, The St. Agnes Altar Society, President of the Jefferson Gems from 1980-1982, Jefferson Golden Ages Charity Crib, the American Legion, the Ladies Auxiliary for the Disabled Veterans of America, and the Archbishop Rummel Old Timers Club.

She was well known for her Trident gum commercial, as well as her radio ad for Red Barron Pizza. She was a cheerleader at Eleanor McMain high school. This experience led her to become a dancer and singer for our servicemen for many years.

Cecelia had many friends from the Life Insurance Company of Virginia, who were more like family to her and her family.

She held several jobs over the years working for attorneys, in sales, and in the food industry for many a years, but ultimately decided that she enjoyed being homemaker even more.

She was a loving wife and mother, and a dear friend to everyone who knew her. She enjoyed teaching her family about their heritage like her parents, who came from Palermo, Italy and her husband’s parents, who came from Country Cork, Ireland.

We would like to thank our sister Pamela for being our Mother’s caregiver, for all of the years she was sick.

A special thanks to Cheryl Edgecombe and Arlene Stipe with Vital Link Home Health Care who became part of the family during our mother’s care.

Mom, you will be sadly missed by all of us. You will remain in our hearts for all the days of our lives. We will remember your amazing smile, the happiness, and all of the fond memories.

Funeral services will be held at St. Agnes Church, 3310 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, on Friday, October 12. Visitation will be held from 9-11AM with a funeral mass at 11AM. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Blvd, New Orleans. Condolences may be left for the family at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com