Caecile Maria Werners of 2290 Mecklenburg Rd., Ithaca, passed away unexpectedly at Cayuga Medical Center on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the age of 77.

Born on May 17, 1934 in Neuss, Germany, Ceil was the daughter of Wilhelm and Margarete Sassenrath.  Emigrating to the United States in 1956, Ceil enjoyed raising her family, enthusiastically becoming involved in anything that her children were interested in. The love of children extended to her work as she spent 23 years as a Kindergarten Aid at the Enfield Elementary School, retiring in the early 90’s. In the same caring manner, Ceil took pleasure in providing a safe home to animals, especially her beloved cats. She had an affinity for the outdoors, exercising her green thumb on the flowers that adorned her home both inside and out.

Ceil also cherished the memories created with her husband Siggi over the years, including many nights on the town filled with dancing and laughter.

In addition to her parents, Ceil was preceded in death by her husband, Siggi on February 6, 2008 and a brother, Wilhelm Sassenrath. She is survived by one daughter, Margitta (Tony) Cudlin; one grandson, Christopher Cudlin (Rachel Auble); one granddaughter, Kimberly Cudlin (Eric Church); one great-grandson, Calvin Church,  all of Ithaca; one step-daughter, Marianne (Rolf) Kupplich; one step-grandson, Lars (Nadine) Kupplich; one step-granddaugther, Kai (Stephen) Thiel; two step-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Manfred (Edith) Schmitz and Hans Georg Tilch; one sister-in-law, Eveline Sassenrath,  all of Germany; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

The family will be present to receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, July 29^th at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.

Services will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 30^th at the Living Waters Christian Fellowship, 162 Enfield Main Rd., Ithaca. Prayers of Committal will follow at the Budd Cemetery on Gray Road in Ithaca.

Those interested in making a contribution in Ceil’s memory are asked to kindly consider the SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Enfield Volunteer Fire Dept, 172 Enfield Main Road, Ithaca 14850.