Cecelia Marie Letke passed away peacefully June 18, 2025, surrounded by a loving family. Born Dec. 16, 1941, in Toledo, Ohio, Cecelia’s life was a tapestry of artistry, family and unending kindness. She met her beloved husband, Leonard Letke, in her hometown, and together they embarked on a journey of love and companionship that lasted 60 years until Leonard’s passing just a month before Cecelia.
In 1964, Cece and Len united in marriage, a union that would see them move from the Toledo area to Angola, Indiana, in 1980. Their life together was one of shared adventures and new beginnings, including a move to Bloomington, Indiana, in the fall of 1995 due to Len’s work, and later to Skippack, Pennsylvania. Eventually, they retired to Angola and then to Sun City Center, Florida. In early 2025, they moved to Belford to reside with their son Andrew and his family.
Cecelia’s artistic spirit shone brightly in her professional life. She was a talented cake maker, calligrapher and floral designer. She loved her work through the years at Caruso’s Restaurant, Whitehouse Florist, Throops Florist and Accents Gift Shop where her creative touch graced many weddings, graduations and special events. Her artistry was not confined to her work; it permeated every aspect of her life.
Cecelia was an avid knitter, amassing an impressive collection of scarves, both handcrafted and purchased. She knitted numerous hats and scarves to benefit the military and a local gift shop for charities. She was a master gardener, an incredible cook and a lover of music. Cecelia’s musical talents were many; she played the cello, guitar, piano and accordion with equal skill, and her voice graced her churches as a cantor. She was also a proud member of the a cappella group Sweet Adelines and later loved singing for performances, including Handel’s “Messiah.” But spending time with family and friends in a good conversation with a cup of coffee, long distance or locally, was by far her favorite thing to do.
Adventure and travel were among Cece’s passions. She spent many vacations and holidays with kids and grandkids in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, New Jersey, Florida, Philadelphia, at Lake George, at Lake James, and on a Bahamas Missions trip with her son Steve and his family. She was a dedicated fan of deSoL, often enjoying her son Andrew’s band on their tours.
Her love for her family was paramount. She dedicated herself to delving into their genealogy to ensure that the stories of their ancestors would not be forgotten. In her later years, Cecelia devoted herself to caring for her husband Len, showing the depth of her love and commitment.
Cecelia’s legacy is carried on by her two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Mary Beth Letke, and Andrew and Dori Letke; her brother Ron and sister-in-law Kay Floyd; her sisters Beth Floyd and Vickie Etherton; her sister-in-law Kathy Gonnella (Greg); her brother-in-law Frank; her sister-in-law Carolyn Miller (Dan); along with her beloved grandchildren, Andrew, James, Thomas (Anna), Rebecca, Wolfgang and Sylvie; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Len, her brother Victor Floyd, his wife Debbie, and her sister-in-law Paula Letke.
Her grandchildren will forever cherish the memories of their loving grandmother who always gave the best gifts and kept a refrigerator full of amazing drinks and snacks.
Cecelia Letke will forever be remembered as a woman of faith, kindness and love – a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.
A celebration of life service for Len and Cece is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, July 21 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Angola, Indiana.
The article originally appeared in the July 10 – 16, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
