Celia M. "Ceil" Chiffy

Celia M. “Ceil” Chiffy, age 89, of Utica, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Sitrin Health Care Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on March 16, 1926, Ceil was the daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Cerra) Chiffy. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1944. She furthered her education by attending Utica College, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Ceil began her working career at the Utica Fire Insurance Company. She subsequently accepted a position at the Oneida National Bank located at the main branch in downtown Utica. Over the years, she was employed in various capacities, lastly as County Supervisor with the Oneida County Comptroller’s Office for over 40 years until her retirement in 1991. Ceil enjoyed playing golf at the Valley View Golf Course and traveling with her friends. The highlight of her travels was going to Italy and being amongst the audience of the Pope on multiple occasions. Family was very important to Ceil, and she loved all of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She was always picking up various items and personally delivering them to their homes, stating it was a “good bargain”. Her shopping highlight of the year was a trip to Bev’s on “dollar day”. She was a very loving aunt and will be missed. Blessed with a gentle soul, Ceil held a compassion and love for all God’s creatures, but especially for canines. A wagging tail and a warm heart accompanied any dog who walked her way… because the love was mutual. Ceil was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church and attended daily Mass. She was involved in many aspects of the church including ‘counting money’ from the Sunday weekly collections and baking for all the parish feasts. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Sacred Heart Society, St. Rosalie Society, and Saints Cosmo & Damian Society. The family would like to thank all of Ceil’s private aides, especially Geri, JoJo, and Shelby for their wonderful loving care over the years. We would also like to thank the Sitrin staff, especially Katherine, LPN, Linda and the personnel of Hawthorn House for attending to her needs with such professionalism and compassion. Ceil is survived by her brother-in-law, Raymond Cardinale; sister-in-law, Mary Chiffy; and many nieces and nephews including Linda and Mark Estey, Joseph Chiffy, Raymond Chiffy, Dr. Patrick and Patricia Cardinale, Marilyn and William Montesano, Eve Marie and Robert Calli, MaryAnn and Dr. Thomas Caruso, Eve and Dale Van de Wal, Rose and Dominick Mauro, Anthony II and Melissa Chiffy, twins, Joseph and Heather Chiffy, and Vincent and Nicole Chiffy. She was predeceased by her sister, Theresa “Tesha” Cardinale; and her brothers and sister-in-law, Alexander and Alice Chiffy, and Anthony “Tony” Chiffy. Ceil’s life will be honored and commemorated at a private time. For those wishing to do so, please consider a donation in Ceil’s name to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica, NY 13501. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Celia M. "Ceil" Chiffy

March 16, 1926 - January 11, 2016