Born on December 16, 1941, in Hagerstown, Maryland, Cecelia was the daughter of Samuel and Lucille Palmer (Cullison) and the beloved sister of Wayne Palmer, Elizabeth Shumaker, and Donald Palmer.
Cecelia will be remembered as a woman of remarkable strength, creativity, and unconditional love. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide every opportunity for her daughter, ensuring she had everything she needed to build a successful and fulfilling life, including earning a college education. Her sacrifices, determination, and unwavering support became the foundation upon which generations of her family will thrive.
Gifted with an extraordinary talent as a seamstress, Cecelia could transform a photograph from a magazine into a beautiful dress and turn simple upholstery swatches into stylish handbags. Her creativity knew few limits, and she took great pride in using her talents to create both practical necessities and treasured keepsakes for those she loved.
Family was the center of Cecelia's world. She cherished time spent together, whether enjoying a movie, taking family vacations to the beach, or making memories on special adventures. One of her favorite experiences was taking her first trip to Disney World at the age of 65, embracing the joy and wonder of the occasion with the same enthusiasm she brought to life every day.
Cecelia shared a special friendship with her longtime friend, Sis Beard. Together they enjoyed casino trips, countless conversations, and nights filled with laughter that made them feel like schoolgirls again. Their friendship was a source of happiness and companionship throughout the years.
A devoted animal lover, Cecelia especially adored cats. There was rarely a time in her life when she didn't have one, two, or even five feline companions sharing her home and heart. She also had a special love for squirrels, she loved collecting squirrel figurines, watching endless squirrel videos and Facebook reels, and faithfully feeding them in her backyard. Her compassion for animals was perhaps best demonstrated when she lovingly rescued and raised a baby squirrel that had fallen from a tree. Whether caring for her pets or her backyard visitors, Cecelia's nurturing spirit and gentle heart were always on display.
Perhaps Cecelia's greatest joy was being "Grandma." From the day her grandsons were born, she lovingly stepped into the role of caregiver, helping to raise them with patience, kindness, and endless affection. She took pride in driving them to and from school, preparing meals, attending to their needs, and being a constant, comforting presence in their lives. Her dedication gave her daughter and son-in-law the ability to build a wonderful life for their family while knowing their children were wrapped in the security of their grandmother's love. The bond she shared with Lisa, Greg, Joshua, Jordan, and the entire family will remain one of her most enduring legacies.
Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Lucille Palmer (Cullison); her brother, Wayne Palmer; her brother-in-law, Donald Shumaker; and her grandson, Arthur Doonan.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Thompson (Greg); grandsons Joshua Thompson and Jordan Thompson; grandson Andrew Doonan (Ana); granddaughters Virginia and Rebekah Doonan; sister Elizabeth Shumaker; brother Donald Palmer (Sharon); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends.
Calling hours will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park, 3653 W. Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333, on August 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a private graveside blessing for immediate family at 12:00 p.m. Cecelia's final resting place will be at Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park.
Though her hands created beautiful things, her greatest creation was the love, security, and strength she gave to her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the memories that will be cherished forever.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Autism Society of Greater Akron by visiting: https://autismakron.org/make-a-donation
