Cecilia G. Bellessa, 81, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at Acorn Estates surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 30, 1938 in Gibson County, Indiana, the daughter of Raymond Sr. and Mary (Peter) Kieffer. She married Dale Bellessa on July 4, 1957 and he preceded her in death on August 15, 2010 after fifty-three years of marriage.
As an infant Cecilia was given the nickname of “Pete” by her two-year-old brother, Ron, who would say his new baby sister was “sweet”, but, it sounded like “Pete”. Throughout her life, the name stayed with her so she was lovingly known as “Pete” to her family and friends. Cecilia was a loving, caring and giving woman. She was a wonderful homemaker and her family and extended family was very important to her. For many years she chaired the funeral dinner ministry at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. Cecilia enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society. For forty years, she worked as an Election Judge in Precinct #5. She was a friendly, familiar face at the area auctions conducted by Mobley and Grant whom she worked for as a clerk for thirty-plus years. Cecilia had a love for music and treasured her Monday nights at Hogg Heaven Restaurant listening to the music and visiting with friends. Cecilia was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic church. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Cecilia will forever be remembered by her sons, Domonick (Kim) Bellessa of Newburgh, IN, David (Sheila) Bellessa of Elizabethton, TN, Danny Bellessa of Decatur, IL, and Darin Bellessa of Vincennes, IN; grandchildren, Katie Bellessa, Taylor Bellessa, Morgan (Jason) Lyons, Hannah & Halle Bellessa, Drake & Brady Bellessa; sisters, Dorothy Walters, Virginia Goldman; brothers, Joe Ray (Mary Lou) Kieffer, Ron (Jo Ella) Kieffer, Jerome (Mary Jean) Kieffer, David Kieffer, Michael (Nancy) Kieffer; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Raymond Jr., and infant brother John Robert.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Rosary Service beginning at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 8, 2019 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Following the Rosary, a Visitation will begin, extending until 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 9, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Cecilia’s memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or St. Mary’s School General Fund. Envelopes will be at the funeral home and at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Cecilia’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Bellessa family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
