Cecelia Harris
Cecelia Anne Burke Harris, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2025 at the age of 97. Born on August 27, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey, Ceil was the daughter of (Patrick) Thomas and Christina Burke. She was the second child of six.
She attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Patterson, NJ, earning her Nursing degree then continuing on to Seton Hall College for her BS in Nursing. She worked as an OR Nurse, studied at John Hopkins Hospital for anesthesia supervision nursing and school nursing.
On April 27, 1957 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Orange, NJ, she married her loving husband, Thomas. Together they built a life filled with love and cherished memories for 51 years. Blessed with five children; Anne (Patrick) McDermott, Maureen (Richard) Heilmann, Christopher (Andrea) Harris, Sheila (Jeff) Letteri and Mark (Christine) Harris. Who will forever be grateful for her love, support and guidance.
Ceil had a quick mind and a passion for reading. Many times, staying up until 3AM to finish a good book. She also kept busy as a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Board member of St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary, and a member of the Coteri Club. Retiring from volunteer work 2 years ago from her beloved “Gift Shop” at St. Francis Hospital/Westchester Medical. She has made many cherished friends over the years and always hoped they knew how much she loved them.
In addition to her children Cecelia is survived by her brothers Rev. Msg James Burke and John “Jack” Burke. Her much-loved grandchildren James (Clare) McDermott, Kathleen (Patrick) Caruso, Thomas (Amanda) McDermott, John Heilmann, Peter Heilmann, Kevin Heilmann, Matthew Harris, Miliana Harris, Capri Letteri, Ayden Letteri and Brody Letteri. As well as 10 Great-grandchildren who called her “Nana Ceil”, Nico, Madeline, Ryder, Declan, Collin, Nolan, Leighton, Liam, Jack and Avarie, a loved sister-in-law Laurie Burke and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Thomas (2008), her sister Maria Burke and brothers Thomas “Joe” Burke and Robert Burke.
A wake to honor and celebrate Ceil’s life will be held at William G. Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 from 4PM-6PM on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10AM at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Burial will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in memory of our mother.