Celia L. Beran, 104, of Virginia Beach, went to be with the Lord February 1, 2012, at home surrounded by family. She was born October 1, 1907 in Lockport, New York, the daughter of the late Frank and Margaret Haug-Layer. She was the fourth oldest of 7 siblings. Celia was predeceased by husbands John Patrick Currie, Walter Hemmer and George Beran.
As a girl, Celia attended Saint Mary’s Catholic German School and Saint Joseph’s Academy. She retired from General Motors after 25 years. She was a member of the United Auto Workers Union. A long-standing parishioner of St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church in Lockport, she became a member of St. John The Apostle in Virginia Beach. She was also a member of various religious organizations.
Celia is survived by three daughters Rosemary Moriarty of Virginia Beach, Patricia Truscio (Thomas of Lockport) and Colleen Miller (Peter of Chicago), 21 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren. Also survived by Suzanne, Donald and Diane Hemmer. She was predeceased by three daughters Dorothy Sloan, Helen Wilkerson and Margaret (Marne) Quinones, two grandchildren Peter John (PJ) Miller and Ellen Sloan-Bush and Daniel Hemmer. She was also predeceased by all her siblings Paul Vitus Layer, William Bernard Layer, Raymond Layer, Guswin John Layer, Mary Layer-Argue and Margaret Layer-Hemmer. Also survived by several nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St. John The Apostle Church in Virginia Beach VA on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 11 a.m. A memorial mass and burial service is planned in Lockport, NY at a future date. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent in her memory to EWTN, http://www.ewtn.com and Nat’l Fed of the Blind, http://www.nfb.org
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Nanny was one of a kind. Lots of laughs and endless love and kindness. She had a beautiful soul. I love you, Nan…and miss you already! Love, Matt
Words are not sufficient to describe Grandma. She had a way to let you know she understood you through funny anecdotes about your childhood and with her attention to the big things that mattered to you most. I will remember the smallest of details; her tidy kitchen, inviting aroma of fresh coffee on Sunday’s after church and apple pies- just like a grandmother should be! Mostly, I will miss her call my name “Buddy”. Rest now with all the angels and saints, Love Buddy!
Dearest B
My greatest pleasure is making you laugh
I met Grandma about 8 years ago when I became the newest member to the family. On my first visit I will never forget walking thru the door and feeling the warmth and love of everyone and the sense of being home. Her hug will forever be felt as it felt like being hugged by my Vava (grandmother in portugese). Grandma had such a sense of humor and I loved to hear her sing. My visits with her will never be forgotten. I love you Grandma.
Aunt Ceil would always remember my birthday with a card and a $5 bill. This may not sound significant, but it was, considering she always, faithfully remembered all 23 great nieces and nephews, plus her 6 nieces and nephews and their spouses on the Layer side of the family. I’m sure she took great care of her own immediate family, but it was wonderful to be remembered by my great aunt. She had a way of making you feel special.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I was blessed to have had the time that I did with the amazing Celia and her family. I will always have warm memories.
Love, Stacy
Grandma, My life has been enriched by you in my life. I’ll always remember your favorite perfume “Emmaraude” It gave me great pleasure to give that to you Christmas after Christmas. At some point you probably thought “give it up already”
celia was such a wonderful lady got to know her when she visited pat and tom during the summers on crescent drive she was truly a blessing
Dearest Grandma,
Over the last few years, you would question why you were still here and why God hadn’t taken you home yet. I hope you remember what I said, “It’s because you have been teaching us what it is like to grow old – both the joys and the pains. It was just like your teaching us how to live a full life.” I am only comforted by your no longer having the struggles and hardships old age brings. With all my heart and soul, I know you have seen the Face of God and He has welcomed you into heavenly peace.
Dearest Janet and Family,
?Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss…my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Blessing to all
Your Friend
Sallie
Sorry to hear of the death of your mother/grandmother but she lived a good, long and interesting life. I was so privileged to interview her a year ago for our neighborhood newsletter. Our thoughts are with you all.
Hi Pat & Tom —just wanted to say how sorry we were to hear about your Mom passing. What a great life she had. I especially love the picture. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Mike & Sue
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at the loss of a dear loved one.
At some point we realize our parents are human.They make the best decisions they can with the options available to them. Relationships improve once you realize this. Mom I love you for always doing the best you could with what you had. Miss you so much.wdj8