We mourn the passing of Cecelia (Celie) Halzel, who passed away in Delray Beach, Florida on June 10. Her funeral will be held in Delray on June 11. The family is sitting shiva in Delray and will return to Denver to finish sitting shiva on Monday, June 16 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. with Maariv at 7:00 p.m. at the home ofAvi and Rayna Halzel.
Celie was born in Radautz, Romania on February 21st, 1939 in the midst of the Holocaust. Her parents passed away from sickness, and she and her sister Blanca were cared for by their Aunt Pearl. After the war, at the age of 8, Celie traveled with her sister Blanca by boat to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There they were adopted by Noa and Sarah Heinish who had played a role in bringing many refugees from Europe over to Canada.
Celie married Michael Halzel Z”L on September 2, 1962, in Halifax. Together they became passionate Jewish educators, Celie as a Hebrew teacher and Michael as an administrator. They enjoyed incredible careers spanning four decades in Halifax, Boston, San Diego, Miami and New York.
Celie and Michael’s only son Avi was born in 1966. Avi and his wife Rayna became Jewish educators themselves which brought incredible joy and pride to Celie and Michael.
Celie loved her four grandchildren Matan, Ariela, Adina and Gilad with all her heart. They enjoyed many visits and trips together. Celie enjoyed traveling, reading, playing mahjong, spending time with and cooking for friends and family, taking care of her husband, and doting over her son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren. May the memory of Celie Halzel be for a blessing.
