Celia Barbara Guro

Celia Barbara Guro, widower of Igor Guro, passed away peacefully while holding her daughter’s hand and surrounded by family and loved ones on July 19th, 2026. Celia had made her initial debut in this world on May 4th, 1942, to the loving arms of Julius and Bessie Marks, completing their family alongside her older sister, Sydelle. The family moved from New Jersey to Grand Rapids, Michigan where they successfully owned and operated American Bread Co., The Bagel King, and Jewels and the Swiss Chalet Restaurants.

Despite family history in the restaurant and bagel industry, Celia did not continue the family business of supplying the world with carbs and cheesecakes. Her long list of accomplishments instead includes that of a teacher, a principle, and many others that cannot be summed up in a few short lines. Her most fulfilling career was as the Director of Counseling for the college of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University and the meaningful work that she accomplished in her role at the University until she retired in 2017. Celia was a tireless advocate for Scleroderma Research, mental health, and student wellness. Celia, known to many as Dr. Guro, woke each morning grateful to do work she loved. A former student and dear friend captured it best when, speaking of the disarray of Celia’s office, she said, “But we will never know how many lives were saved between those walls.” For those of us who knew Celia as “wife,” “mom,” or “grandma,” it was our greatest honor and privilege to share her with you. We know her lasting impact will continue to light this world and spread the love she so deeply wished to see in it.

Celia was a spiritual woman who carried a deep faith in both love and God. When asked by her daughter what she wanted her to include in her obituary, Celia said “just tell them I died.” And while her daughter immediately recognized this as a setup, she also knew that nobody would believe it. Celia carried with her a sense of immortality, with each health obstacle that came her way she maneuvered through or around it. Her morning mantra often being, “God gave us a body that can heal,” and many of us believed she had a direct line to God’s ear.

Those of us who had the joy of knowing and loving her will always feel her beside us. To everyone who delivered “emergency” napoleons from Dusty’s Cellar or healing hot and sour soup, sat with her on the couch or in the red chair for “five more minutes” that often became an extra hour, laughed with her, and loved her: we will forever be grateful.

In her final days, Celia was at peace. She was able to spend time with her grandchildren Jonah and Ella who she loved with all her heart. She had the luxury of experiencing one final showtunes sing along with her daughter to Barry Manilow and enjoy her beloved son-in-law Craig who peacefully sang Ripple (Grateful Dead) by her bedside. The morning before she passed, Celia woke wanting to know who was going to play her in the movie, mom there is no one who could ever come close to playing you. Celia leaves behind her son Gregory Guro; daughter Stephanie (Craig) Short; grandchildren Jonah and Ella Brown. Celia also leaves behind a tremendous circle of friends, colleagues, and loved ones. We would like to especially thank Terry for keeping vigil over her, and who has now become part of our family. Celia also leaves behind her beautiful Goddaughter, Natasha, who she cherished. We would like to thank Hospice of Lansing and Stoneleigh Residence for the beautiful level of support and peace that they were able to provide her in her final days. We will forever be grateful for your care.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence, or the Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS). - (please find links below)

We will forever love and miss you, and five more minutes will never be enough.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Congregation Shaarey Zedek , 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing MI.

A burial service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 2600 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing MI.

Following the burial there will be a flowing reception for close friends and family.