Cecilia V. Kallay
July 6, 1922 ~ August 7, 2022
Cecilia Viola Kallay of Weirton was born on July 6, 1922 and was determined in all that she pursued. Some may say her most memorable attribute was that she was a part of the “Greatest Generation,” but if you had asked her, her greatest accomplishment in life besides her family was celebrating her 100th birthday with them on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
She was one of three children to Leon and Mary Bajek Cwiczynski, she passed peacefully on Sunday, August 7, 2022, while under diligent and conscientious care from the staff of the Weirton Geriatric Center.
Cecilia was strong in her faith. She nourished that faith throughout her life at the Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Weirton, where she was a member of the Christian Mothers, the Rosary Society, and their choir. In her spare time, she was a devoted Den Mother to Cub Scout Pack #63, she enjoyed playing her piano, watching both college and professional basketball with her sons, being attentive to her garden and fruit trees, and of course, keeping close watch over her beloved Gladiolus’.
You would often find Cecilia with her family enjoying their favorite TV shows, “I Remember Mama,” “The Honeymooners,” and as remembered by her daughter Karen, being forced to watch Bishop Fulton Sheen.
Her children described their mother as a very “inventive” individual, ensuring that everything would be utilized to its fullest extent, especially when it came to the dollar. One year she found a silk parachute that her husband Ernie brought home from WWII. Realizing promise in the fabric, she was able to use her ingenuity to make clothing for the family. She had a proclivity toward life that never swayed, utilizing what she had and turning those actions into life’s lessons.
Cecilia was a loving mother, a great inspiration, and a rock for all her family to build upon, she will be sadly missed and forever admired.
In addition to her parents, Cecilia was preceded by her husband Ernie R. Kallay, Sr., whom she married on December 30, 1941, and who passed away on March 7, 2010, brother Ted “Tee Gee” Cwiczynski, and sister Stella Cwiczynski.
Remembering Cecilia fondly with love are her children, sons Earnest (Sylvia) Kallay Jr., of Kalida, OH., Jerome (Sharon) Kallay of Richmond, OH., Kevin Kallay of Lake Forest, CA., Thomas (Judy) Kallay of Davidson, NC., daughter Dr. Karen Kallay of Redondo Beach, CA., grandchildren Dr. Aron Kallay, Shannon Dolan, and David Kallay, and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 11, 2022, from 3-6:30 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV., where a common Rosary will be recited at 6:30 PM.
A private family viewing will be held at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home before mass on Friday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, August 12, 2022, at Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 200 Preston Ave. Weirton.
A longtime friend to the Kallay Family Monsignor Thomas Welbers, a retired priest from the Arch Diocese of Los Angeles, will preside.
Cecilia will be laid to rest next to her husband at Saint Paul’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Weirton.
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
To the Kallay Family, What a blessing to have been able to sing Sto Lat on your mother’s recent 100th Birthday! Your parents, your family friendship was always a cherished part of my life and I continue to count it as a true blessing. I extend my deepest sympathy as you grieve your loss and offer my heartfelt prayers for your good. Love & prayers, Staś Tuchalski
Our deepest condolences, Aunt Ceclie was such a great lady. We have great memories of spending time with her! Love , The Joseph Schwarten Family
Ernie and Sylvia-please accept our heart filled condolences for your loss. May the perpetual light continue to shine upon her. Kitty and Ed
TO THE FAMILY OF CECILIA, YOUR MOMAND MY MOM (STELLA RUZKOSKI) WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS. TODAY THEY REJOICE AND RENEW THEIR FRIENDSHIP. MY CONDOLENCES, RITA R. RUSZKOWSKI
To the Kallay family, my sincere condolences for your loss; your mother was a wonderful lady, so kind and sweet, and will never be forgotten. Very Sincerely, Marlene Runkel
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Great woman!
I send my sympathies and hugs. I recall talking to Celia as a child. She was so sweet, compassionate, and engaging. I always enjoyed talking to her and Ernest. I pray they will Rest In Peace and that God will give you all comfort. Diane R. Wallace from Southaven, MS
With heartfelt sympathy to all of you. From Ron and Sharon Huffman and Bill McChancy
Dear Jerry, I was sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My niece always says how exciting it would be to know someone that was 100 years old. I’m sure you share in that sentiment because of the many wonderful memories and experiences with your mother. Bob Firm
Our deep sympathy to the Kallay families.
Kevin and the Kallay families, we are sorry to hear of your loss – I recall sitting with your mother and talking about the “old days” and her experiences with my own grandmother. Requiescat in Pace, Cecilia.
Jerry and family, God bless you all and your mother. Sam Greco
Cel, was a outstanding person in the community of Weirton. Her brother Tee-Gee was my sponsor for sacrament of confirmation. May her souk Rest In Peace. 🙏
My Aunt Cecelia was loved more than words can say. She and Uncle Ernie were my God Parents. I will never forget how she welcomed me as an adult into her home. She was so gracious and giving to me and my two children. She will never be forgotten.