Ceil Rankin Zielonka Obituary (1927 - 2017)

"A stunning hummingbird who flew among us" Concetta "Cecelia" Maria Grack Rankin Zielonka was born in Erie, PA on December 6, 1927, to the late Concetta and Salvatore Grack. She passed away peacefully on September 26, 2017 at UPMC Hamot, surrounded by her loving family. Ceil married Gene Rankin in 1948. Together they had two amazing children; Bradley (Sonia) and Cathy (Michael). They were married for forty-nine years until his death in 1998; Celia married Steve Zielonka in August of 2001. Ceil very proudly graduated from Orra/Jean beauty school in 1967 and was a licensed beautician at Villa of Beauty where she delighted customers with her personality and skill. "Coonie" "Ceil" "Ma" was a beautiful Italian woman who spread love and joy through her easy going manner, feisty spirit and never ending hugs. While the term mother, grandmother and wife are accurate, best friend is more true- her guidance and friendship served as a blessing, as they could always go to her for support or a good laugh. Coonie was renowned for her cooking and pie making skills, specifically her coconut cream pie. Her fridge was never without dough and the makings of an excellent sandwich. Ceil was overjoyed to spend the last sixteen years married to her Polish Prince, Steve Zielonka, where they grew raspberries for homemade wine, danced sweetly in the living room and watched birds and butterflies gather in the yard. Ma was a whisperer to the flowers, with gorgeous blooms appearing from the smallest seed. Her "Au Salut" will resound in our hearts forever. Ceil was also preceded in death by her brothers Salvatore, Paul, Joseph, Anthony, and her sisters Mary and Betty. She is survived by her children; grandchildren, Aaron (Hollie) and Caitlin Hill, Beck Rankin and Mike Dunsmore (Lindsey Glass); along with sisters-in-law, Gladys, Evelyn, and Jean Grack; stepdaughter, Norrie (Mike) Dunsmore and their three sons, Steve, Drew and Adam. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at UPMC Hamot MICU for their outstanding care and kindness they showed during her stay. Friends will be received at 9:30 am on Friday, September 29th, at St. Ann's Church 921 East Avenue prior to a Celebration of Life Mass at 10 am. Burial will immediately follow for the family at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. A wake will be held following the burial at Colony Pub and Grille, 2670 W. 8th St at 12:30 pm. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc.