Cecelia Frances Vance

Cecelia F. Vance passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the age of 84. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Doug Vance, her parents, Mary Helen Fernandez and Candido Fernandez and her aunt, Laura Interlandi. She is survived by her daughters, Lyra Vance and Tara Vance. Cecelia will always be known and remembered for her big heart, generosity and kindness. Cecelia’s greatest joy in life was her family and friends. Cecelia graduated from the University of Tampa with a degree in English and was a Certified Secondary Teacher, but she is perhaps best known by her family and friends as an amazing dance teacher and choreographer. She taught dance for more than 41 years, including 13 years at Frank Rey Dance Studio and 28 years for the Hillsborough County Recreation Department, before an illness forced her to stop her passion. Always a teacher, she later taught computer skills to seniors at USF. She spent her later years enjoying her friends, traveling and playing games. She will be forever missed by her family and friends. A closed casket visitation will be held at 10 am, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 am on Monday, February 9, 2026 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church at 5225 N Himes Ave., Tampa. An interment at Garden of Memories Mausoleum will follow at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or a charity of your choice.