Cecelia Celestina Bennett

Celia Bennett, a long-time resident of Orange County, CA passed away on January 31, 2024 at the age of 87. Cecelia Celestina Ornellas (Gorski) (Bennett) was born April 6, 1936 in New Bedford, MA. The youngest of seven children, “Celia” was raised by her mother Mary C. Souza, who came from Madeira, Portugal and her stepfather Bill Vervill. She recounted stories--to those lucky enough to call her “Nana”--of growing up “Back East;” along the shore, where she attended Catholic school as a young girl. Celia remained a follower of the Catholic faith all her life.

At the age of 19, Celia left Massachusetts for California, and met her first husband Frank Gorski. They married and raised their family in Orange, CA. Celia was known—to the utter delight of those closest to her—for her cooking, which featured a blend of traditional Portuguese recipes like Christmas morning “carne vinha d’alhos” from her own heritage, Polish recipes such as “pierogies” gleaned from her husband’s family, and plenty of her own creation. The passion with which she prepared meals from “scratch” was exceeded only by her passion for watching her loved ones enjoy eating them, perhaps none more than her son Michael. Celia and Michael enjoyed a strong Mother-Son bond from his birth until her last day, and stayed close through the tough times as well as their many days full of joy and laughter.

Celia’s other hobbies included knitting, as well as crafting hand-made greeting cards with rubber stamps, which she faithfully sent out to her family and many friends; never missing the chance to mark a birthday or holiday. She was an animal lover—indeed many dearly departed faithful companions must have been waiting to greet her on the Rainbow Bridge—as family pets always stayed nearby her, and not just because she was always willing to sneak them a handful of treats. In fact, she always had a stash of candy nearby too, that she’d eagerly give away in much the same way. Cherished memories of her include “Nana” driving around in her Black Cadillac, a gift from her son, with a license plate which read “Cel’s Cad”, wearing her diamonds.

However one knew her- as “Nana” “Celia” or just “Mom”—she was a blessing, she enriched your life, and she will be sorely missed. As her brother Joe recounted, Celia had faith that one day she would “dwell in Heaven” and her family is comforted in knowing that she is in perfect peace and health now, in the presence of God and His Angels. She was laid to rest at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park in Austin, TX. She is preceded in death by her beloved Mother, sisters Mary and Norma, brothers Manuel, John, and Antone “Tony”, husband Frank Gorski, and second-husband Norman Bennett. She leaves behind her brother Joseph Ornellas, and the legacy of her family, her son Michael Gorski, daughter Terry, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, cousins, and many friends.