Cecilia Cora Fleetwood

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cecilia “Ceal” Fleetwood on March 22, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Ceal passed away peacefully in her sleep at PGPH nursing home in Vancouver, where she spent the last three years of her life.

Ceal is predeceased by two brothers; Jack (January 1998), and Doug (August 2004). Ceal is survived by her beloved daughter, HaiDai Fleetwood; her nieces Jeannie James (Dick) and Marie Skertchly; and her “grandchildren by choice,” Adrian and Megan, whom she helped raise and loved as her own.

Born in Cowichan Station on Vancouver Island, Ceal left home at the age of 16 to attend the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she pursued a number of challenging career paths (including as a whistle punk) before finding her calling as a Social Worker—a profession in which she worked for over 40 years, always guided by her natural generosity and compassion.

Following her retirement, Ceal became a frequent flyer, traveling often to visit her daughter in the United States. Though she didn’t enjoy flying, she did it anyway—making over 20 trips to places like Hawaii, Los Angeles, and San Diego—motivated by her unwavering love and commitment to her family.

Ceal was a gentle and loving soul who radiated kindness. She had a remarkable ability to brighten the lives of those around her—with small, thoughtful acts of care every single day. Anyone who crossed her path, especially on her near-daily walks to and from Starbucks, could attest to her warmth and generosity.

Perhaps nowhere was that generosity more evident than in her relationship with Adrian and Megan, with whom she shared a uniquely close bond. From the time they were born, Ceal was a daily presence in their lives—arriving each morning with pastries in hand before school and always showing up after school with sweet treats. Even during transit strikes, she would walk—no matter how far—just to be there.

Her kindness was never limited to family. At the local park or schoolyard, Ceal became a beloved figure known for handing out candy not just to Adrian and Megan, but to their friends—and eventually to entire crowds of kids who knew her simply as the kind lady with the treats. It was just who she was: someone who made people feel seen, cared for, and loved.

Ceal’s long life was a reflection of her unshakable optimism, quiet resilience, and her enduring belief in the good in people. She represented the best of humanity and the kind of community we should all aspire to build. She chose to be a mother and to be a grandmother—an act of love that speaks volumes about her heart and character.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Ceal’s life will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at The Arbutus Club, 2001 Nanton Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6J 4A1.

Kindly RSVP to [email protected] so we can ensure there is enough food for all.

Rest in peace, Ceal, Mom, Grandma. Thank you for everything.