Connie Celli

Peacefully, with grace and dignity, our precious Angel took flight on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, her earthly mission complete. Connie was in the tender loving hands of the compassionate care team at the Bow River Lodge (St. Elizabeth) in Canmore, Alberta, where she was blessed to reside. The thoughts, prayers and messages of family and friends near and far helped make Connie’s final passage truly sacred. These endearing gestures comforted Connie’s children with immeasurable gratitude and will be forever etched in their hearts.

Born in Donnici, Calabria, Italy, Connie was the devoted daughter of the late Ida and the late Frank Belsito, and sister of Carmen (Sylvia), the late Marisa, and John (Lina). The Belsito family immigrated to Canada, making their home in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

It was in the hallways of Mount St. Joseph College that Connie first met “Signor (Tony) Celli”, the charming young teacher, who would one day sweep her off her feet. Soon after their first dance in 1968, they married. Tony’s adoring parents, the late Anna (Spada) and late Alberto, of Villa Santa Lucia, Abruzzo Italy, and their family embraced his “beautiful Calabrese bride” from the moment they met her. Tony remained forever the love of Connie’s life, even after his passing in 2021. Tony and Connie are now joyously reunited on the heavenly dance floor.

Connie and Tony left a legacy of unconditional love, faith-infused living and commitment to service. Often behind the scenes, Connie devoted herself to nurturing those around her, starting with her treasured husband and children Anna-Lisa Christilaw (Adrian) of Banff, Albert (Carla) of Ottawa, Carrie Di Franco (Mario) of St. Catharines and Anthony (Sarah) of Sault Ste. Marie. She was the proud grandmother of Mikayla, Madison, Brianna and Karli, Sienna and Isla and Sofia Di Franco. During her final years out West, Connie was affectionately known by her “honeys” as “Mama Connie” or “Nonna”.

Connie will be fondly remembered for her fervent devotion to Mother Mary and the Catholic faith, her delicious Italian cooking (especially “Mrs. Celli’s” signature pizza), her vibrant flower gardens, her boundless energy, and the pleasure she took in simple household tasks, “doing little things with great love”. She was a natural teacher both formally and informally, inspired to share her finely tuned skills, diverse passions and timeless wisdom with anyone who crossed her path, regardless of age.

Connie continued to find purpose in contributing to the well-being of others, even over these past 2.5 years in Alberta, when no longer living in her family home or familiar community. Despite an intense period of loss and her declining health, Mama Connie’s resilient spirit continued to rise up, held by the loving kindness of countless earth Angels in Banff, Calgary and Canmore for whom her children are eternally grateful. Connie’s greatest gift - her unwavering Faith - shone brightly, right up until her last breath, taken with Anna-Lisa by her side.

When you think of Connie, may you feel her hand gently squeezing yours or caressing your cheek, blessing you and your dear ones. With open arms and a radiant smile, our precious Angel is now welcoming souls into God’s heavenly Kingdom.

Friends and family are invited to gather at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 6 pm - 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Precious Blood Cathedral (778 Queen Street East) on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11 am officiated by Fr. Hamish Currie. Family and friends are invited to view the Mass online; where it will remain available 90 days following the service, go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Connie's name. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) can be made to Caregivers Alberta or The Monastery of Mount Carmel Society of the Little Flower. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Celli family.