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Gerda Elli Paul Cely

1929 - 2020

Gerda Elli Paul Cely obituary, 1929-2020, Charleston, FL

BORN

1929

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway

Charleston, South Carolina

Gerda Cely Obituary

Gerda Elli Paul Cely Leesburg, Fl - Gerda Elli Paul Cely, 91, of Leesburg, FL, entered into eternal rest on October 29, 2020 at UF Health Leesburg, with her daughter at her side. A private graveside service will be held at 11AM on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, Charleston, SC. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414. Gerda was born March 9, 1929 in Magdeburg, Germany to Heinrich and Hedwig Paul. Having grown up in Nazi Germany, she was most proud of becoming an American citizen. She met Joseph E. Cely while he was stationed with the U.S. Navy in what was then known as West Germany in 1949 and they married in 1953. They settled in Charleston, SC and he preceded her in death in 1982. In 2000, she and her daughter moved to The Villages for 5 years, then moved to Leesburg. While in Florida, she was known for wearing an elegant outfit for whatever holiday was celebrated. She was a very talented artist and seamstress. She enjoyed traveling in the USA and abroad, many day trips to Disney World and watching NASCAR on television as well as attending many races throughout the Southeast. She firmly believed in living life to the fullest and even in illness, she was always looking forward to the next fun thing to do. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Cely of Leesburg; her nieces, Sherrie (Mike) Johnson of Hendersonville, NC and Ursel (Horst) Rathert of Minden, Germany and several grandnieces and nephews. Beside her parents, she is preceded in death by 2 brothers in Germany. Donations may be made to the charity of choice, but Gerda always supported military and veterans' charities. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerda Cely

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

Not sure what to say?





Karen Seeley

November 18, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the passing of your beautiful Mother.

Teresa Smith

November 6, 2020

Diane, I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I remember visiting your home (& swimming pool) when we were in high school. She was always such a sweet lady. I know she will be missed by many. Prayers for you and extended family members.

Teresa Harrell-Smith

Jim Chapman

November 6, 2020

Diane, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Your mom was a sweet lady; always so kind to us. My mother loved her so. Please know I'm thinking of you during this sad time

RHONDA LENEAU WIGGINS

November 5, 2020

Hey Diane,
So very sorry to hear about your mother's death. When we were teenagers, I always loved coming to your house and visiting with your mom and dad. I pray that God will give you the love and comfort you need as you pass this season. Take care of yourself

PATRICIA BRUNSON

November 5, 2020

I has the pleasure of meeting Gerda when I worked with her daughter Diane. From the moment I met her, I knew she was Special!!!! Gerda was a "Beautiful Lady" and such a joy to be around. Her life was full of excitement and adventures and you always had fun being around her. Gerda had a zest for Love and Life and always wanted to share that with her family and friends. I know she will truly be missed by all the Lives she touched in her lifetime. Diane, the Brunson Family is here for you, and please know that you are in our Hearts & Prayers. God Bless!

eileen jones

November 4, 2020

Your mother was a legend in her own time. She was a regular on the square in The Villages, Fl. and she was always easy to spot dressed in her white creations and always near you and the popcorn machine. She truly was a vision of beauty glowing with the joy of life. I am so glad we got to enjoy so many special evenings with her. It was the best of times.

Jerry Knight

November 3, 2020

My sincere condolences, Diane, for the death of your mother, Gerda.
A fun loving spirit is what I recall about Gerda - the few times I was around her.
And I hope it is a treasured memory for you to have been at your mother's side as she took her last breaths.

Michael Thomas

November 2, 2020

Diane, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I remember your mother well & will keep you in my prayers.

Addie Valenza

November 2, 2020

My family and I met Ms. Gerda 8 years ago with her daughter Diane on the internet and since then they became part of our family. We considered Ms. Gerda our second mom.
In 2016 they came down to Montreal as she wanted to come and visit Canada. Her daughter drove all the way from Florida to Montreal and even with her back and leg pain, she wanted to come and see Canada.
Ms. Gerda had a heart of gold and always had a beautiful dress on and flowers on her hair. Even her walker was decorated with flowers as she loved them.
Ms. Gerda you will be missed so much and our hearts are broken for your loss. May you rest in peace.
Our condolences to the family.

Rose Marie Lankford

November 2, 2020

Miss Gerda was a great friend to my Aunt Sara and Uncle Jim. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.

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Memorial Events
for Gerda Cely

Nov

6

Graveside service

11:00 a.m.

Live Oak Memorial Gardens

Charleston, SC

Funeral services provided by:

J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414

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