Cecilio Lim

Cecilio Lim was a good, caring, compassionate, selfless, generous, and deeply loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend—an extraordinary man in every sense. A spiritual soul who loved God, he prayed with sincerity and unwavering faith. He lived his life with integrity beyond measure, embracing each day fully and joyfully.

An Army veteran, Cecilio served as a Private First Class during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. After returning home, he began a 38-year career with Winn-Dixie Stores, starting in the Produce Department and eventually rising to store manager, a position he held from the mid-1950s until his retirement in 1994.

Cecilio was also a loyal and long-standing member of the Lions Club of Miami. He took great pride in serving his community, especially through projects benefiting the Lighthouse for the Blind. His dedication led him to serve as Lions Club Florida District Governor, 35-A, from 1995 to 1997.

In addition to his professional and community endeavors, Cecilio enjoyed a rich and varied array of hobbies. In his earlier years he loved playing golf, and throughout his life he delighted in playing poker. Another enjoyment from his early years was astronomy. He was an avid reader of astronomy books and magazines and a devoted watcher of documentaries. He loved the stars, the planets, and the constellations, and was remarkably knowledgeable—able to talk for hours about this favorite subject of his. In more recent years, he found joy in watching movies and spending time reading. He always kept up with local and national news, never missing a beat. And he was, without question, a long-time, diehard, devoted Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins fan!

Above all, Cecilio was devoted to his family. He consistently placed their needs above his own and considered them his greatest joy and life’s purpose. Yet even this does not capture the fullness of his story. Cecilio’s life truly blossomed when he met and married the love of his life—his soulmate and beloved wife of 60 years, who predeceased him in 2010. Their marriage was a true blessing, a partnership marked by profound love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. During the last five years of Sara’s life, as she lived with Alzheimer’s, Cecilio’s love shone brightest. He cared for her with tenderness, patience, and complete devotion, embodying the very meaning of love in action.

Cecilio is survived by his daughter, Yvonne Lim Petersen (Earle Petersen); his son, Julius Louis (JL) Saunders; grandsons Steven L. Petersen (Vanessa Petersen) and Julius Jesus Saunders (Anita Saunders); granddaughters Mary Jo Saunders Abreu (preceded in death) (Juan Abreu), Sandra Pupo-Rubi, Laura Tolbert (Derek Tolbert), and Jennifer Saunders; great-granddaughter Vai Petersen; eleven additional great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Martha Lim Kim and Irma Lim Kim. He was predeceased by his parents Ernesto Lim Yu and Gudelia Kim Pack, his beloved wife of 60 years, Sara Lim; his siblings, Mirtha Lim Kim, Jeronimo Lim Kim, Primitivo Lim Kim, Sergio Lim Kim, Ernesto (Kico) Lim Kim, and Carmela Lim Lee; and by his nephew Christian Lee. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

This exceptionally great man was larger than life. May his spirit live on in the hearts and memories of all who loved him.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6

Visitation services will be held at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, located at 11655 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida, 33186, on December 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 11:59 pm.

Further visitation will occur at St Louis Catholic Church, located at 7270 SW 120th St, Pinecrest, Florida, 33156, on December 4, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Funeral Mass will take place at St Louis Catholic Church on December 4, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.

Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Park North, located at 3260 SW 8 St, Miami, Florida, 33135, on December 4, 2025, at 12:30 pm.