Cecilia Mary Ayoup

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Cecilia Mary Ayoup on Thursday, April 28, 2022.
Ceal was born in Peoria, Illinois, and moved to Akron after meeting the love of her life, Jim. They were happily married for forty-nine and a half years.
She was a woman of deep faith and immense compassion who never spoke an unkind word. She was a consummate entertainer as she hosted countless lovely gatherings, having a flair for making everything look effortless. There were hundreds of patio gatherings with family and friends. She especially loved hosting the annual Christmas party with her husband where Christmas carols could be heard late into the night. Anyone who came into her presence felt welcomed and rarely left without enjoying her Lebanese cooking. Always the fashion plate, she often said that “her hats cost more than her dress!”
Before moving to Akron, she was an executive secretary for Caterpillar in Peoria. Upon marrying her husband Jim, she made Akron her home where they raised their family.They also owned and operated West Hill Floral for over 30 years. After “retirement,” she worked across the road at Richard’s Florist.
Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Mary; her loving husband, Jim; and siblings, Joe (Betty), Catherine, Annie (José), Mary Lou (Bob), and Jean (Dick). Left to celebrate her memory are her brother-in-law, Al; children, Lea Ann (Richard), David, and Susan (Steve); grandchildren, Vinny (Veronica), Nick (Kendall), Lizzie (Quinn), Karie (Brian), Jamie (Matt), and Andy (Kris); as well as her great-grandchildren Riley, Ellie, Reagan, Kami, Cole, Chase, Kora, Clay, Maddie, and her namesake, Cecilia Rose. She also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friends Marlene Dallas, Janice Attalla, and Anne Schellin.
Ceal fought bravely with many health issues but remained both a strong and steadfast matriarch. The depth of her faith could not be underestimated— she was never without a rosary in her hand. Family came first and foremost. She took such good care of her loved ones and had the courage to live a full life even when it became painful and difficult.We will miss her terribly and are so proud of the legacy she left. Thank you Mom. You can be proud of your beautiful life. Our hearts are heavy, but our lives are richer because of you.
Loved ones and friends may call at Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home at 39 S. Miller Rd. in Fairlawn on Wednesday, May 4th from 10-11, with service to follow. The entombment will be at Rose Hill Burial Park.

If desired, donations may be made to St. Vincent Church or St. Joseph Melkite Catholic Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cecilia Mary Ayoup, please visit our floral store.