Cecina Francesca Koeijmans

Cecina Koeijmans was born April 14, 1927 and passed peacefully October 21, 2013 in her home. She was born and raised in Dallas near Swiss Avenue by her Sicilian immigrant father and her Italian mother. Cecina attended St. Joseph Academy and was valedictorian of her class. Cecina recognized her God given talent in the ability to join others in service. She was a natural born leader who loved to organize events, entertain and cook for friends and family; her specialty was Italian food. She dedicated her life to raising her three sons, and spending time and planning special trips with the grandchildren. Cecina belonged to numerous charitable organizations most notably the Catholic Daughters of America. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters for 50 years, serving in many positions including Local Regent from 1973-1977, State Treasurer and finally State Regent from 1990-1992. Other organizations for which she volunteered include St. Thomas Aquinas Church as lector and Eucharistic minister, St. Thomas Parents Organization, St. Thomas Aquinas Altar Society, Dallas Federation of Women's Club, National Council of Catholic Women, Dallas Deanery, Church Women United, Catholic Conference of Churches, American Cancer Society, Diocesan Peace & Justice Committee, Women's Council of Dallas County, National Association of Parliamentarians, Genesis Woman's Shelter, St Vincent Center, Children's Hospital, Veteran's Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and International Toastmistress' Club. Socially she was an active participant in book club, Jolly Thursdays, and the Happy Girls. Cecina is preceded in death by her brother Giacomino and husband of 55 years, Gerry. They were married in 1957 in Dallas, and were members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish for over 50 years. Cecina and Gerry are survived by their three sons and their spouses John and Shelley, Nick and Barbara, Tony and Melonie; as well as nine grandchildren, John Ryan, Nicole, Christian, Natalie and her husband Barrett, Hannah, Grace, Sam, Kylie, and Noah, sister-in-law, Josephine Giangrosso, niece Gina Giangrosso, nephew Vincent Giangrosso, his wife Karen, and their children Stephen and Melissa, too many friends to name but most especially by the Hartmann family who loved her like their own. Pallbearers will be Bob Hartmann, Paul Hartmann, Matt Hartmann, Billy Hartmann, Tony Barraco, Steve O'Brien and Louis Alvarez. Recitation of the Rosary will be on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:30 pm with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Wednesday, October 30th at 1:00 pm. Both Rosary and Funeral will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Reverend Bishop Deshotel, Fr. John Libone, Fr. Sean Martin, Fr. Robert Crisp, Fr. Tim Gollob concelebrating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Catholic Daughters of America, Court 1719, C/O Barbara Burris, 1547 N. Buckner, Dallas, TX 75218, 214-316-8805.