Rest In Peace Ms Celi 🌹 🌹 ❤️ 
May God give us the Comfort, Strength and Peace in the loss of a Loved One and an Amazing Person....🙏

Celi, you were a 💎. Continue to shine on. You will be missed.  SIP 

RIP Celi. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. You were the face of  CVICU. I can’t imagine CV without you. I remember coming to JMH from Mt Sinai, so much to learn. You were a walking resource. All the patients we cared for, your ability to come in a room and troubleshoot with me. Your nursing excellence created the standard we all worked towards. Nursing has lost a champion. JMH has lost a true hero at a time we need them most. RIP Celi and thank you for the memories.

It is so hard for me to believe that you’re not here. You are and always be “The Rock” of SICU.  I think of you often Celi and Know that you are most likely managing the unit from above!! 😊 You have worked so very hard your whole life and now it’s your time to Rest In Peace.  
I will miss you Celi. 

To Celi's Family,

Celi was a force of nature.  Her presence in the unit and the high standards she expected of everyone around her made us all better nurses.  When I started in the unit as a novice nurse practitioner in 2008, I was overwhelmed at times by the level of acuity of the patients and their complex presentations.  If torn about how to best manage a challenging patient , I would often ask Celi's advice.  She never made me feel stupid, or inexperienced (though I was!).  I quietly counted on her many times to give me her suggestions, based on years of experience and knowledge.  When I moved on to also work as an assistant professor at the University in the school of nursing, she would always help me place students in the unit, and never said "no" to a request.  
She was a true champion of nursing, and an unwavering force for what she felt was best for the patients.  I saw her the Sunday before she passed, and she thanked me for going to work in the COVID designated ICU.  I will never forget her bobbing her head and telling me, "that's a great thing you are doing" and thanking me.  I never thought that would be the last time I saw her.  I didn't get the chance to thank her for all she had done for me, for my students, for our patients, and for our nurses.  
Knowing her strength of character and personality, I am confident she is still able to perceive the gratitude we all feel for having had her as a role model and mentor. 
My best to her family,
Carmen Presti

I miss you so much! You made me a better nurse each time I stepped into SICU! I feel You made  everyone GREAT! You knew everything that was going with each patient, each nurse,  and everything that was pending and needed follow up -you made sure it was done!  You were fair and fought for everyone! Your mind was like lightening .... quick and energetic! I love  you and so thankful for you! I will continue to always ask myself “What will Celi do? 

Celi was an amazing nurse and the heart and soul of SICU/CSICU at JMH.She always kept us on our toes-either changing assignments or moving beds-but always in the best interests of our patients and the unit!I worked with Celi often and for many years and there are so many things I will miss about her.I’ll miss hearing the jangle of her keys and she neared you and hearing her call me over the unit pager.I’ll miss our chats over lunch and the sound of her laugh.You are gone too soon but I know you are always watching over us.Rest now Celi xx

Tita Celi was a very sweet, kind, and loving person. Although we did mot live close to each other, whenever I would see her at family gatherings she exuded warmth and generosity of spirit..

Tita Celi  came from a family of caregivers and married into a family of caregivers. We know she was called to be a nurse and admire the work that she was doing before she left this world.

Tita, I will never forget you  and pray that you have found peace.

Dear Family & Friends of Araceli,
We share in your celebration of life for Araceli today, a special nurse hero to so many for over thrity years of service & loving care. We wanted you to know that although travel is not possible to attend her service, collegues joined together to remember Araceli in a special tribute called "The Nightingale Tribute"- a reading to honor her not only as an amazing nurse but also at the end of life's journey.  She will be in our hearts forever. Peace be with you all, from Araceli's colleagues at Florida Nurse Practitioner Network.    https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/about ana/history/nightingale-tribute/

We are thinking of you during these difficult times and in your time of sorrow. May the memory of Celi bring peace, comfort, and strength to your family. Celi will be missed tremendously and will forever stay in our hearts. 

Celi, Thank You and We Love You. You are now with your Mama, Papa, and Our Lord. 

Rest In Peace Dearest Celi!

(In the picture, starting from the top R to L and bottom R to L: Millie Velbis De Vera, Anna Omo Azemi, Celi Buendia Ilagan, Rolly Velbis, Erika Velbis De Vera, Maria Cez Omo Tolentino, and Roy Buendia)

I extend heartfelt condolences to the Buendia and Ilagan families. 

Although I was very young when I met my Ninang Celi, my mom (Millie Velbis De Vera) would tell me about cherished moments of their friendship. 

I hope you rest peacefully in heaven, Ninang Celi. 

With deepest sympathy, 
Annie De Vera Tebow

OBITUARY

Araceli Buendia Ilagan

July 5, 1956 – March 27, 2020

Caballero Rivero Southern

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