Cecilia Stella Rafa (August 14, 1920 - May 07, 2020)

In loving memory of
Cecilia Stella Rafa
  • August 14, 1920
  • -
  • May 07, 2020

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Obituary

Cecilia Stella Rafa went to meet the Lord on May, 7 2020, surrounded by friends and family. She was 99 years old. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, John.

Cecilia is survived by her son, Robert (Jane), daughter, Dr. Jacqueline Wojtecki (Tony), granddaughter, Donna Votto (Gary), great grandchildren, Lauren Duerr (Nick), Matthew Lopez, Ryan and Aiden Votto, great great granddaughter, Kaylee Lizabeth Duerr.

Cecilia was quite the character. She loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke. She did not mince words but spoke her mind. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. She believed in the motto, “Shop Til You Drop,” making shopping her favorite pastime. There was not a sale that Cecilia missed with her cohort in crime, her daughter Jacqueline. She was an avid bingo and card player. After her move to Florida in 2000, she developed a taste for exotic foods, her favorite being Indian Curry.

Right now, she is looking down from above, playing pinochle with friends and family, sipping her favorite drink, a sloe gin fizz and accusing her brother, Frankie of cheating. Some family feuds never end.

Cecilia will be greatly missed.

Family and friends may leave condolence messages or sign the guest register by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.

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Tribute Wall

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  1. Bob & Carole Madden says:
    22 Jun 2020
    The day I was born, Stella came to visit my mother, Helen, (her sister), in the hospital. She exclaimed, "Why couldn't you wait another day to have your daughter on my birthday?". The next day she turned 21. She was named as my godmother. My hair was one of her perpetual projects, sometimes to my chagrin. She took her role as godmother seriously, and cared for me lovingly whenever my sometimes fragile mother was ill. Her energy and perseverance were without peer. She had an amazing "run" of 99 years in this life. There is no doubt that she is now engaging her loved ones in the hereafter.

  2. Bob & Carole Madden says:
    22 Jun 2020
    The day I was born, she came to visit her sister, Helen, my mother, in the hospital. As only she would say, "Why didn't you wait another day to have your daughter on my birthday?" The next day she turned 21. She was named as my godmother and was very proud of that. My hair was always a project for her. She cared for me whenever my own mother was not well. She was full of love AND full of opinions! Her energy and curiosity were without peer. She had an amazing "run" in this life and probably she is still at "full throttle" now, rather than Resting In Peace. Long live the memories of a perfectly unique aunt and godmother!

  3. Sharon Muzerall says:
    15 Jun 2020
    My friendship was short, from 2000-2004 when I lived across the street in No Ft Myers. I recall her as being a friendly neighbor and always interested in what was going on around her. Jackie has kept me up to date in the years since I left the area and it pleases me know she was able to live a good life for many years after . RIP!

  4. Marie says:
    13 Jun 2020
    I will always remember playing cards with Stella and Dot, Stella's sense of humor and her wonderful laugh. Marie Rogalski

  5. Earl Wojciechowski says:
    13 Jun 2020
    Fond memories of John, Frank ,Earl and Stella, Frita and Marie playing pinochle and arguing over the cards.

  6. Jackie Wojtecki says:
    08 Jun 2020
    Mom, I heard a polka the other day. I bet you and Frankie are tearing up the place. I have such fond memories of those days.

  7. Sondra Marshall lit a candle:
    08 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 8, 2020 at 6:53:34 PM

  8. Jackie Wojtecki posted an image:
    07 Jun 2020
    celebrating with friends
    celebrating with friends

  9. Jackie Wojtecki posted an image:
    07 Jun 2020
    96th birthday.
    96th birthday.

  10. Tony Wojtecki lit a candle:
    05 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 5, 2020 at 6:47:30 PM

  11. Tai Lovelace lit a candle:
    04 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 4, 2020 at 6:19:14 PM

  12. Jackie Wojtecki lit a candle:
    04 Jun 2020
    Lit since June 4, 2020 at 6:17:26 PM

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