An Acrostics Poem for Cecile Marie Clements

These poems serve to highlight the name of a poet or his/her patron, or to make a prayer to a saint.

Cecile Marie Clements
Adjectives to Describe our Extraordinary Cousin Ceil

C is for our Clear-headed, Clever, Compassionate, Committed Cousin, 
E is for her Ethical, Exemplary, Experienced, Expert, Educator,
C is for her Calm, Candid, Capable, Charism
I is for her Intelligent, Independent, Illuminating, Impressive Ideas
L is for her Legendary, Logical, Lucky, Lobster Lover, Leadership
E is for her Epic, Enthusiastic, Engaging, Elf-self

M is for her Magnanimous-heart, as a Magical, Mindful, Masterful Mentor,
A is for her being an Adaptable, Amazing, Awesome, Above-board Academic and Aunt
R is for her Radiant, Rare, Remarkable, Reliable, Respectful, Resilience
I is for her Incredible, Imaginative, Idealistic, incomparable, Industrious, and an Inspirational Imp
E is for her Eager, Extraordinary, Epic-self

C is for her Charitable, Competent, Conscientious, Courageous, and Curious Nature
L is for Lover: a Lover of Family and Extended Family Relatives, Friends, Colleagues and 50 years of teaching students; a Lover of Science and making lessons and lesson plans real, relatable, current and alive: a Lover of Learning: Summer Programs, National Science Conventions traveling to Boston, Colorado, Texas and more.  A Lover of all the family PETS.  A Lover of Life and the Chicago Bears!  A Lover of God: Father, Son and Spirit!
E is for her Encouraging, Efficient, Erudite-self
M is for her Motivated, Masterful, and Meditative Mindfulness
E is for her Excellent, Empowering Energy
N is for her Neighborly, Noble, Nourishing, Nature and being a beloved Neice
T is for her Time studying a Texas A&M University Geology & Geophysics, and her Tenacious, Trustworthy, Thoughtful, Truthful, Teamwork
S is for her Special Swashbuckling Spirit, her Spontaneous visits always welcomed! And for being a Big Twin Sister!
Love you, Ceil!  Susie DeCaluwe

Cecile Clements, Ms. Clements, Aunt Ceil, Speedy….

I called her Aunt Ceil. I knew her as my third parent. How lucky I am.

She was a teacher in every sense of the word. She instructed students in Science and Math for 50 years, she inspired future educators who continue her legacy, she guided us all to become our best selves, and she led by example as a devout Catholic.

From her I learned how to be a strong, independent woman, in a world that is not made for independent women.

From her I learned how to incorporate service into my everyday life.

From her I learned to be generous, compassionate, and resolute.

Aunt Ceil made room in her heart for everyone who came into her life. She accepted us all as we are and loved us all. And she LOVED dogs. She loved other animals, too, but DOGS. And they loved her. Of course they loved her. We had to say goodbye to my parents’ dog Fonzie in February and it broke Aunt Ceil’s heart. I like to think he was waiting in heaven, on a couch, for her arrival. Probably he fell asleep for a bit but I imagine his little tail wagging like crazy when he saw her again.

I remember every Christmas, my brother Will and I eagerly awaited Aunt Cecil’s arrival. She would bring BAGS of gifts for us and our parents and spend the day with us. She brought with her everything Christmas is supposed to be. Laughter. Joy. Presents.

Aunt Ceil loved the church and lived by its teachings. She was awake enough to be excited when we shared the news of Pope Leo the fourteenth being from Chicago. Then she told us that she had a meeting with him, very good start, Leo!

Aunt Ceil’s life purpose was to care for others, and she did that so well. She was my role model, my guardian, and a force for good in this world. I miss her more than I can say, but I find comfort knowing that she is with Catherine and they are both watching over me, watching over all of us. How lucky we are.

There was no one like Ms. Clements. She was our favorite middle school teacher. She taught us crazy, loud, trying to be funny and cool kids and never, NEVER, gave up on us. She believed in us more than we did and that was her magic. Her respect for us seeped in, during those angsty impossible years when we needed it the most.  Her great love for us made us want to love bigger and better.  Ms. Clements is in our hearts and we are immensely grateful for her care, respect and love.  These are gifts  she gave us that never die. 
Blessings to all her family from 
Claire, Hendrick and Forman Onderdonk

One of the many  memories of the twins together. Aunt Cecile and my mom will be dearly missed and their memories never forgotten! God Bless both of them as they are reunited again.

Ms. Clements was my 6th grade teacher at NCA and a wonderful person. 

I used to fake a cough to go to get a cough drop from the school office. I think she knew I was faking it and let me go so the classroom would be quiet every once in a while. 

She will be missed.

Ceil was a gentle soul whose generosity and warmth touched everyone around her. We were all fortunate to be a part of her life. We love and miss you, Ceil! <3

The family will forever remember Aunt Cecile, she was such a loving and caring person that would do anything for someone if they needed it. Forever grateful for her love that she showed us. 🤍🪽

Class of 1990. 

My favorite teacher at St. Henry. She always treated us like young adults. Getting all of us ready for high school and beyond. 

She treated you with respect when you gave her respect. She was an amazing science teacher and was the first teacher of computer classes when first implemented at the school in 1988. 

She was a rock-hard woman but also showed emotion when the time permitted. 

I still remember her tears during our 8th grade graduation. 

Condolences to the whole family. May she rest in peace.

My sister and I were just talking about her (she taught us both)! She would put on a strict facade but was never unkind, she was funny without trying to be, and always focused on our learning. With gratitude for Ms Clements being a favorite 8th grade teacher. We're so sorry for your loss and hope she is resting in peace.  - Nayyar family

Ms. Clements is one of the reasons I became a teacher.  She was one of the best and favorite teachers I ever had as a child.  You could tell she cared and wanted us to be the best we could.  She knew us as students as well as individuals.  

While in my teacher training program, I had the privilege of doing my first practicum with her as well as work with her through a grant program once I actually became a teacher.  She has not only impacted my life, but touched so many other lives, as a friend as well as a colleague.  I am so blessed to say that she has helped make me the person and teacher I am today.

My heart goes out to her family.  Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us.  The world is a better place because of her.

Gretchen Collins-Berngard 
St. Henry School c/o 1985

St. Henry School 8th grade class of 1993. 
I had a science project on light refraction and she complimented me how impressive! She was what a teacher should be and a privilege to be taught by her.

Such fond memories of an amazing, caring, loving teacher. She was tough when she needed to be. 
I remember being in 6th grade when the older kids were picking on us [jokingly] & Miss Clements put an end to the nonsense with one simple stern stare down!  She cared so much for her students & was always around to watch over and protect us. Thanks for providing such a great experience at St Henry, you'll be missed!

OBITUARY

Cecile Marie Clements

23 August, 1939 – 10 May, 2025

Drake & Son Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services