Cecilia ‘Cec’ O’Malley
November 5, 2019
Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in her 69th year. Beloved wife of Michael for 44 years, and best friend since 1972. Cherished Mom of Bryan (Mary), of Los Angeles, Stacey (Duane), of Ottawa, and Eddy (Aulaire), of London. Dear sister of Theresa (Hyun), of Mississauga. Daughter-in-law of Arnold (2009) & Therese O’Malley. Predeceased by her parents Joseph (1987) & Josephine (1991) Lee, brother Mark (2015), and sister Lucy (2005). Lovingly remembered by many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her many longtime close friends.
Cec (Cecilia Saehee Lee) was born on January 17, 1951, in South Korea. At the age of 19 she came to Canada to attend university, where she met the love of her life, Mike. After raising their 3 children, she became a language teacher, specializing in FSL & ESL for over 20 years. In her retirement, Cec joined the Garden Club of London, where she found a passion for creating miniature designs. She also took up violin, which was one of her childhood dreams. After four years of lessons, she was absolutely thrilled to join a string orchestra. Cec & Mike travelled extensively over the years, and she always enjoyed life to the fullest. She was truly grateful for her life, which she described as a continuation of magical moments, blessings and miracles.
Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Thursday, November 7 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. JOHN THE DIVINE, 390 Base Line Road West, on Friday November 8, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to St. John the Divine Catholic Parish, or any other charity of your choice.
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My deepest sympathies during your time of loss, my thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family during this difficult time. I had the privilege of sharing many moments with Cec at the Garden Club of London. She was always ready to help on any project and co-ordinated our Christmas Workshop for the past 4 years. She was a friend who was always ready to listen, talk about her family whom she was so proud of and give me samples of gluten free recipes for my son. She will be greatly missed by all of us. Lorraine
My deepest condolences to you all as you deal with your loss. May the many wonderful memories that you shared with your mother comfort you at this difficult time. May God look over and guide you as you go forward in your lives. Mr. K
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Mike and family.. I was saddened at the news of Cecilia's passing, such a caring and loving person. Always showing her feelings of care to others. May she Rest In Peace in the arms of our dear and loving Jesus. Friend George
We are heartbroken. We have lost a true, true friend. Cec's time here was too short. We will always have fantastic memories of Cec and Mike and Mohammad and I together at the university, through our marriages and having our families. We had great times and lots of laughs. And even though we were busy and often far apart in distance, sometimes not seeing each other for well over a year, we picked up like we saw each other just yesterday. Cec was so gracious and generous. A real gem. I met her in 1971 on my first day at the University of Windsor. She was my roommate! She convinced me to take my first airplane ride with her that year and I white-knuckled it from Windsor to Toronto! She was the veteran! She was always so confident in all her endeavours. We send our love and condolences to you, Mike, and all the family. We will truly miss her. Love Heather and Mohammad
We are grieving a loving, gracious friend. With her warmth, kindness and thoughtful, caring interest in all, Cec had the power to inspire affection and lasting friendship. Such a vibrant, multi talented woman, Cec delighted in joyfully sharing her vast talents with her friends, whether her famous bun recipe, her sushi making, skillful computer tips or delicate flower arranging. Being with Cec guaranteed you a fun, always enlightening time! While she proudly shared her family news and travels, Cec showed genuine interest in her friends' activities and in their families. More recently, Cec astounded her friends with her heroism in the face of her ongoing health challenges. One never heard a harsh word nor a complaint from this courageous woman. As her friends, we share our grief with her dearly beloved family to whom we extend our deepest condolences. Cec, may you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
We are grieving a loving, gracious friend. With her warmth, kindness and thoughtful, caring interest in all, Cec had the power to inspire affection and lasting friendship. Such a vibrant, multi talented woman, Cec delighted in joyfully sharing her vast talents with her friends, whether her famous bun recipe, her sushi making, skillful computer tips or delicate flower arranging. Being with Cec guaranteed you a fun, always enlightening time! While she proudly shared her family news and travels, Cec showed genuine interest in her friends' activities and in their families. More recently, Cec astounded her friends with her heroism in the face of her ongoing health challenges. One never heard a harsh word nor a complaint from this courageous woman. As her friends, we share our grief with her dearly beloved family to whom we extend our deepest condolences. Cec, may you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Cac loved The Garden Club of London and she was loved by all of us, who were lucky enough to get to know her. She made every person feel like they were making an important contribution to any project, big or small. She saw skills and abilities in many of us, who thought we had no talent or skill at all. Cec showed her kindness with every word of encouragement and praise to others. She was a very organized leader and a generous mentor. Her dedication to the task at hand brought many projects to a resounding success. Her most recent project is the annual Christmas Workshop. Cec has handed over the torch to me. Her meticulous notes are a tremendous help, and I hope I can make her proud by following her instructions, and remembering her mantra of encouragement:"You can do it". Four words that have made all the difference to so many of us who knew Cec. You will be so dearly missed. My sincere condolences to her family, Annette Spracklan
A perfect star has left our constellation. Cec's smile and good nature were a gift to all of us. My deepest sympathy to all her family.
The wonderful laugh, the infectious smile, the sense of humour. The sweetness of a lovely person. Just a few of the wonderful attributes Cec had and will always be remembered. My thoughts are with you Mike and your family. Linda Hawker
(Donated to St. John the Divine Catholic Parish)
(Donated to St. John the Divine Catholic Parish)
(Donated to Canadian Liver Foundation)
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Cec was one of the first friends I made when I came to Canada 6 years ago. I will remember her for her friendship, kindness and conforting words. She fed me blackbean cookies when I was in hospital and we laughed together as I ate them all during her visit. She was a friend for a short time but our friendship went deep. Her many talents were amazing and she was herself a wonderful, loving human being who sets an exxample to us all. Love you Cec, miss you so much my friend. My hearfelt condolences to her beautiful family.
~ Linda Farrell