Cecilia Elizabeth McGUIRE

Cecilia Elizabeth Tessier (nee McGuire) passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on March 7, 2022. She was born on March 28, 1930 to a large Catholic family of 13 children. She is survived by her 7 loving children and their families; Robert (Arlene), Corinne (Robert), Michael, Joanne (Richard), Timothy (Nattalle), Suzanne, and Paul; 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister; Alice, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cecilia attended St. Edmonds and St. Mary's. She worked at Johnston Walkers, the Garneau Theatre, and the Mayfair Hotel, and at Canada Post for many years before retirement. At age 20, Cecilia married Robert Tessier. They divorced at age 33. As a single mother, she faced challenges with dignity and determination to raise her children with love, pride and acceptance.

Cecilia was a devout Catholic. She was always ready to add you to her prayer list and kept a rosary on hand. Cecilia attended weekly mass at St. Joseph's Basilica; she loved singing at church and in a choir.

Cecilia was compassionate and kind throughout her life. She had little to give, yet wholeheartedly gave with her heart and soul. Cecilia's door was always open. She shared her table and home with friends, family and the needy. Neighbourhood kids were always welcome. On birthdays, she graced each of us with 'the day you were born' story. For years, she contributed to charities such as the Canada Foster Parent Plan. Cecilia was always ready to spare change and a kind word for street people.

Cecilia loved to travel. She and her sisters travelled to Oklahoma where their mother was born and raised. Cecilia's later travels include trips to the Holy Land, the British Isles, Ireland, Thailand, Japan, Europe, South America, Hawaii and a cross-Canada road trip. Many of Cecilia's trips were shared with her children and/or grandchildren.

Cecilia embraced and accepted so much of life with optimism. She loved her morning coffee with her Edmonton Journal, and her 4 p.m. 'Young and the Restless.' As her son Paul says, "Mom knew how to enjoy life." Younger Cecilia loved to go out to the Legion with her sisters for a night of dancing followed by takeout Chinese food. She loved to visit with people of all ages and backgrounds, easily engaging with strangers; often making lifelong friends. With each person she met, her face lit up with a ready smile and open acceptance. She delighted in babies and young children and was often heard saying you're 'One of God's baby angels.' Cecilia had a number of favourite sayings for raising a house full of kids such as 'Wake up lazy legs, daylight in the swamps; and as a call to dinner: 'it's all hot and ready, and it's all red hot...'

Our mother was our hero: a humble and strong woman who raised us with love, kindness and pride. Dear beautiful mama you will be missed, and the love you touched us with will live on in our hearts-till we meet again.

Cecilia's funeral will be held Saturday, April 2, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044 - 113 Street, Edmonton. A luncheon and celebration of life will follow.
Published on March 19, 2022