Cecilia "Cel" Ladda

Cecilia “Cel” Ann Ladda was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 9,1947 to parents Zygmunt Frederick and Stella Cecilia (Tyskiewicz) Ladda.

She graduated from Rock High School and went on to Fontbonne earning her BA in 1971 and a Master’s in Education in 1985 from the University of Illinois.  In 1967 Cel entered the community of St. Joseph of Carondolet in St. Louis.  She remained a member of this community for 30 years until she was dispensed from vows as a member in good standing.  While living in community Cel served in many ways.  For nine years she taught children in elementary school.  First in St. Paul’s in Negaunee Michigan and later in Most Holy Name of Jesus in St. Louis. Cel was Assistant Executive Director and later the Director of Development at St. Joseph's Carondelet Child Center in Chicago.  In 1992 Cel served her community as Provincial Councilor and Regional Superior.  Cel was the Executive Director for The Haven of Grace in St. Louis.  She was the Executive Director for St. Joseph's Home for Boys in St. Louis.  She began her transition to living outside of community in 1996 ultimately moving to Plano Texas.  In Plano she ministered with families at St. Mark and later Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano.   After retirement she became active in Stephen Ministry and Guardian Angel Ministry at Our Lady of Angels.

Cel's resume is impressive but there is so much more to her life.  The legacy of love and caring throughout her career for the marginalized is evident.  However, career is only part of Cel's legacy.  Those hearts and souls Cel touched through her personal life reflect who Cel was to us.  She was a woman deeply rooted in her love of God and her love of God's people - all people.  She touched her family, biological and adopted, with joy, humor, and a sense of adventure.  She was always ready for the next trip, wherever it took her.  Whether it was to Europe or to the local restaurant, she was ready with humor and a zest of life.  Think back to one of your experiences with Cel and remember how you felt in her presence.  That feeling is her true legacy, left to each of us in her special way.  May she forever rest in the arms of God knowing she was a "good and faithful servant."

Cel is survived by her friend Susan K Parker, nieces, and nephews Dorothy (Greg) Wilson, Debbie (Bill) Flynn, Raymond (Naomi) Palermo, Christopher (Cass deceased) Palermo, Gina (Kate) Palermo, Gena (Palermo) Drake, Ann Marie (Matthew) Hawkins and Jim (Amanda) Parker, great nieces and nephews Emily, Bill Jr., Tom, Mike, Sean, Joshua, Zachary, Juliana, Anna, and multiple cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Steve his wife Rosalie Ladda and Raymond Ladda, sister Dorothy Palermo and niece Maria Palermo.

The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday July 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 1914 Ridgeview Drive, Allen Texas and officiated by The Rev. Msgr. John Bell.  Please check the Church website for streaming details at https://ourladyofangels.com/live-mass

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Guardian Angel Fund at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church.