Cecilia Catherine Gessner

June 26, 1939 – July 8, 2025

Cecilia Gessner, 86, of Kingsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, surrounded by her family. Known affectionately as “Ceil,” “Ceily,” or “Beans,” she was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother and was the heart and soul of our family.

Born in Baltimore on June 26, 1939, Ceil was the daughter of Reginald and Elizabeth Handley and the devoted sister of Betty, Vince, Jimmy, and Reggie, all of whom preceded her in death.

A graduate of Eastern High School’s Class of 1957, Ceil’s career spanned roles as a telephone operator with Chesapeake & Potomac phone company, a school librarian at Fallston High, a local bank teller, and her favorite job, administrator and bookkeeper for her son Rick’s business.

For 61 beautiful years, Ceil was married to her best friend and husband, Richard “Dicky” Gessner. Together, they made Kingsville their home, anchored in warmth, laughter, and love for their two sons. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Ceil sang in the choir for over 50 years and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.

Ceil was a rock to many and many considered her more like a mother than a friend, cousin or aunt. She nurtured deep, lasting friendships, always ready to help in times of sadness and difficulty, showing up at your door with flowers, food, and laughter when you needed it most. Her famous coleslaw, lasagna, and strawberry sheet cake became the centerpiece of countless gatherings, especially the legendary Christmas Eve celebrations she and Dicky hosted every year since the 1970s that brought together multiple generations of family and friends.

Always behind the camera, Ceil documented decades of family milestones, ensuring no memory was left uncaptured, and usually mailed to you in an envelope not long after. Above all, she loved nothing more than being “Mom-Mom” to her five grandchildren, and rarely missed a game, recital, or moment to cheer them on.

Ceil loved making people laugh with her quick wit and funny sayings (or as we called them, “Ceilisms”.) Equally sweet and sassy, her infectious laugh was unmistakable. While we mourn her absence, we celebrate the vibrant life she lived and the countless ways she touched all of our hearts. There is no doubt, Ceil’s legacy of love and laughter will live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Dick, son Steve and his wife Linda, grandchildren Alexa and Ella; Crystal and Josh Waskey, and grandchildren Brandon, Skylar, Trey and Maverick. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Richard Jr.

A visitation of friends will be held at Schimunek Funeral Home, 610 W. MacPhail Road, Bel Air, MD, on July 22 from 3–5pm and 7–9pm.

The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 8030 Bradshaw Road, Kingsville, MD, on July 23 at 10 am. Reception to follow, please check back for location.

In lieu of flowers, if you are lucky enough to still have your Mom, take her out to lunch.❤️