In Loving Memory of
Cecilia A. Blair
March 13, 1937- July 10, 2021
On July 10, 2021 Cecilia Blair of Marshfield, passed away at home surrounded by her loving husband, children and grandchildren. She brought her smile and exceptionally kind heart home to the Lord, leaving behind many beautiful, impactful memories and acts of kindness.
Cecilia grew up in West Quincy, one of eight siblings, daughter of the late and great Albert and Eleanor Paluzzi. She grew up in a large, loving close knit family. Family was everything to Cecilia. Her husband Normann, her six children, their spouses and 15 grandchildren meant the world to her. They were the light of her life. As well as the many nieces, nephews, siblings and Godchildren.
Cecilia’s heart was far reaching. No matter whom she came in contact with, they were sure to be greeted with her irresistible and beaming smile. One couldn’t help but smile back or feel lifted up while in her presence. It was important to her that every human being knew their worth. She felt that one of the most important things you could do while on this earth, was to let people know they were important and not alone.
No matter how full her table or home, there was always room for one more. Aside from her welcoming demeanor, she reached out to others by serving in many charities, including one she co-founded, named ECHO. A charity that provided food, shelter, support and resources to anyone in need.
Cecilia was so much fun and the best of company. She could turn the most mundane day into an adventure. While raising her children she would have “backwards days”… days where she would serve dinner at breakfast, breakfast at lunch, and lunch for dinner. She enjoyed her children so much. At least twice during the school year she would spontaneously surprise them by having them dismissed from school, surprising them with a beach day or family outing. Holidays were warm and magical, due to Cecilia’s joy and planning. She would plan special one on one time with each of her grandchildren, recognizing and celebrating in each of their unique abilities and personalities, leaving no doubt how much she cherished each of them.
Cecilia was a stunning beauty. She dressed beautifully. She played the piano by ear. She was artistic. She moved with grace. She was a great dancer. She had an eye for aesthetics and was an excellent interior decorator. However, it wasn’t these traits or talents that defined Cecilia. Instead it was her irrefutable, shining spirit. A spirit that moved so many people, changing their lives for the better. She was the go to person if one needed a trusted confidant, an advocate, a sincere pep talk or a just reminder of their self- worth. She was always there for all.
She married her husband Normann, in 1989 and enjoyed 32 years of marriage. They were a dynamic duo spending time on their boat, vacationing, traveling and engaging with family and their large circle of friends they’ve had and grown over the decades.
With her selflessness, incredible strength, and positive attitude, Cecilia practiced what she preached. Diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (a syndrome that can accompany Alzheimers) she lost her mobility, vision and her ability to communicate, but still understood everything that was being said and happening around her. Under such circumstances, it would have been understandable for her to give up, become frustrated, or feel hopeless- but not in her eyes. As always, her focus and attention was on others, rather than herself. As a result, she was that much more determined to show us through her beaming smile, that she was okay and that her shining spirit remained intact. That the power of love, strength, faith and kindness always wins. As she reminded each of us often, there is only one “YOU” in this world and we know without a doubt, there will always only be only one, Cecilia. We’re truly blessed to have been able to know and love her. Always and forever our Mom.
We LOVE YOU MORE and are so proud of you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We now say to you what you said to us each time we walked out your door, “RUN AWAY LAUGHING”.
Cecilia is survived by ‘a whole bunch’ of grateful people, including her loving husband, Normann, along with her 6 children and their spouses: John O’Brien and his wife Ellen of Plympton, Doug O’Brien and his wife Sandy of Weymouth, Mark O’Brien and his wife Karen of Whitman, Scot O’Brien and Sandy Martin of Hanover, Keri Dezell and her husband Jim of Pound Ridge, NY, Erin Langhorst and her husband Steve of Marshfield, her stepdaughter, Leslie Blair Alvarado and her husband Eric of Randolph, New Jersey.
Her treasured grandchildren Brosnan, Faith, Andrea, Khelsea, Douglas, Michelle, Patrick, Scotty, Ivy, James, Max, Frankie, Joey, Mara and Nick. They will never forget their “Grandma, G, G-Money, Woozy and Mama Ceil. They will forever carry her humor, love and strength within their hearts.
Love you mom. 🙂 😉
Diane, Love you Cecilia❤️❤️❤️
Mark and family : So sorry to see this ! May she RIP❤️ Know that she will always be with you! God Bless Deepest Sympathy The Scigliano Family
With much love you graced our presence with your wonderful smile,charm and laughter. You’ll never be forgotten.
With all our love, Gary,Lynn and Virginia.
❤❤❤
Very Sorry for your loss. I know she’ll be missed
Such a wonderful person… heart and soul, my sincere thoughts to Norm and all of her cherished children.
She was the greatest person I have ever met. You are all so fortunate to have loved her and been loved by her. RIP Ceil. I picture you sitting right next to God with that beautiful smile on your face and your unique loving spirit glowing within you. My condolences to her beautiful family, I’m sure her beautiful genuine spirit will always be with you all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and know that God has another angel to look over us!
In my younger years I discovered that, yes, my Aunt Ceal had a wonderful sense of humor, but she also told me many times that it’s important to stop and take note of the good things in life. She was rich in such meaningful perspectives.
My dear Aunt Ceal, the poem that follows has a message I’m sure you’d give to those of us that love and miss you if you could. Though it was written 90 years ago, only now has it found its home; with you.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
— Mary Elizabeth Frye
Love and peace.
What a beautiful soul ♡.
So sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences to the family!
What beautiful words to describe a beautiful person. My heart breaks for you all. God bless your mom and all of you.
A beautiful and loving soul-she so very much loved her family. She lived a faith filled life, and her children and grandchildren will always carry her eternal love, in their hearts. Our prayers are with you all, and we pray that your broken hearts, will start to heal in your time, and fill with happy memories of days together. God bless ❤️
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Cecilia, with respect and gratitude for her generous spirit and a life well-lived.
Although O did not know her, O sensed her in your words, Erin– a wonderful remembrance.
My sadness goes to all of you.
A beautiful woman inside and out and a great longtime friend to my parents and family. My deepest sympathies to Norman and your family on her passing.
We were blessed to have Ceil as our next door neighbor. She welcomed us warmly, and we felt how much she cared for us. We will always love her.
Our deepest condolences to Normann and all the family.
Love,
The Gillilands (Jane, Dave, Beth and Doug)
I was privileged to have Ceil as a friend for many years.
Her smile, giving spirit and beauty were beyond compare. She leaves me with many happy memories.
My love and condolences to Norm and the rest of the beautiful family she created.
I truly loved Ceil. I vividly remember as a little the first time I met her and thought how pretty she was. I feel blessed that I got To know her so well throughout my life and the wise things she said in a funny way but they were meaningful little quotes in my head that pop up often. She touched my life. My heart breaks for you all but you really were blessed to have had her. You are a great family because of Ceil.
God Bless You my dear friend of many years.
Your mom’s beautiful and loving spirit shone through her every time I was in her presence. She was so kind and compassionate to our son, Ben, and us, his parents.
She touched so many lives and raised a good, loving family. What a wonderful legacy.
Sending our prayers and love to Ceil and all of you,
Joan, Walter, Ben and Sarah Endyke
I met her only once. Yet, her impact on all whom she interacted with was evident.
God be with her and to all who were touched by her presence.
What lovely memories. I see where you all get that incredible spirit & selflessness.
Dear beautiful Ceil, the girl with the laughing eyes. To know you was to love you-just knowing you were in it, made the world a more loving place. B & J
I can hear her laugh, I will always remember the sound of her laugh. I gravitated to her at my mom’s get togethers. She made me feel happy, zero negativity. You just felt happy after talking with her. I truly loved her. So sorry to the family.
Norman the picture that you brought to larry and myself for our wedding I adore. I hope you remember it, I believe it, we will hear her laugh again. Love Robin
Cecelia was such a lovely, loving person inside and out. She was so kind and always upbeat, positive and just extra special! She will truly be missed by all!
I grew up with the paluzzi family on hall place. Cecilia was my best friend up to about 10. I spent every waking hour in her house calling for her in the back hallway. Her mother made gnocchi every Sunday. We played the piano. I had a mad crush on Danny. She was beautiful I lost track of her when I moved but never never forgot her or the wonderful paluzzi family. Mr and mrs paluzzi were the best. Happy memories of hall place and st Mary’s. At Joseph’s hall what a fantastic childhood with the paluzzi family.
I grew up with the Paluzzi family on hall place. Cecilia was my best friend up to about 10. I spent every waking hour in her house calling for her in the back hallway. Her mother made gnocchi every Sunday. We played the piano. I had a mad crush on Danny. She was beautiful I lost track of her when I moved but never never forgot her or the wonderful paluzzi family. Happy memories of hall place st Mary’s school st Joseph’s hall what a fantastic childhood with the paluzzi family.
My Moms the best