Cecelia A. (Ledtje) (Ciccarelli) De Furia, of Cambridge, died peacefully at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, January 14. She was 71.
Born in Waterloo, Iowa and raised in Cambridge she was the daughter of the late Herman and Helena Ledtje. A Cambridge resident for most of her life, Cecelia worked for many years with the Cambridge School Department. After her retirement from the school department, Cecelia worked as a message therapist. She was a wonderfully social person who enjoyed the company of her family and many friends. In her earlier years, Cecelia enjoyed equestrian riding, ballroom dancing and was an avid golfer. She enjoyed board games and loved to play cards.
She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph F. DeFuria and John Ciccarelli. She was a devoted mother to Gina Hughes and her partner John Preston of Medford, Laurie Krafsig and her husband Bernard of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Lisa Halloran and her husband Edward of Melrose. She was a devoted stepmother to John Ciccarelli and his wife AnnMarie of Cambridge, Donna Adams and her husband James of Arlington, Stephen DeFuria and his wife Stacy of Holbrook, Kevin DeFuria of Cambridge, Susan LaGambina and her husband Sibby of Wakefield, Janie Germano and her husband Michael of Stoneham. She was a loving grandmother to Krystal, Ryan, Courtney, Kasey, Christopher, Angela, Robert, Tyler, Jonathan, Nicholas, the late Michael, Jason, Michael, Brianna, Elizabeth, Meghan and Dylan. She was a loving great-grandmother of Shawn. She was the dear sister of Ethel Centauro of Cambridge, Karl VanLedtje of NH and Gloria Newquist of Fl. She was the best friend of Celeste Delpiddio of Woburn and is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Tuesday, at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fellsway West, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting Hours Monday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Cecelia’s name to Community Family Inc. 121 Washington St. Medford, MA 02155. Cecelia’s family would like to thank her many caregivers.