Celia “Ceci” McCurdy
1938-2025
Celia “Ceci” McCurdy (nee McDevitt), 86, of Rochester, NY died peacefully on November 18, 2025, surrounded by her family and her Pastor.
She is survived by her children: Melissa Lawler, Scott McCurdy (Sarah), Megan LaRue (James), and 4 grandchildren: Olivia and Alexis McCurdy, and Meryl and Devyn LaRue. She will also be dearly missed by her two youngest sisters Debbie Blossom and Cackie Eastburn, and her nieces and nephews Jennifer Truszkowski, Amy O’Neil, David Blossom, and Stephen Becker. Ceci was predeceased by her parents Warren and Cecelia McDevitt, and sister Wendy Brooks.
Born in Philadelphia, PA, Ceci moved to Lake Lucerne in Chagrin Falls, OH at age 10 where she had many happy days growing up with her three sisters and a special group of friends affectionately called the “Mud-Puddlers”. As an adult, in 1963 Ceci moved to Rochester, NY where she began her family and built a life rooted in faith, friendship and service.
Ceci had a lifelong love of the shore – sunshine, surf, collecting seashells, and the memories made at every beach she visited.
Her deep faith and commitment to community were evident in her 62 years at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, where as a parishioner she served in nearly every type of role. Her legendary work on the Hospitality Committee and her more recent dedication to the Outreach Committee touched countless lives. She was also a proud member of the handbell choir. She was a beloved member of the church family.
In 1985, Ceci became the first official receptionist at Paychex headquarters when it opened, where she continued to work in various positions for 28 years.
She also served on the Board of Directors of Friendship Children’s Center 2000-2006 and held multiple leadership roles with the Neutral Ground support group from 1985- 1999.
In recent years, Ceci found joy in YMCA classes and the friendships she formed there.
She loved gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted patron of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Geva Theater. In her younger years she enjoyed golf, skiing and sailing.
Ceci will be remembered as a vibrant, loving, active, resilient person of faith – someone who radiated warmth, kindness and grace. She was deeply loved by her family, her church community, and her many friends, and she will be profoundly missed.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 25th, at 10:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, 36 South Main St., Pittsford NY,14534.
Reception to follow in the Fellowship Room.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Christ Church Outreach Fund at Christ Episcopal Church Pittsford, or The Acoustic Neuroma Association (anausa.org).
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Ceci was my daughter’s next door neighbor when I first met her. I was struck immediately by her warmth, generosity and kindness to my daughter, my son in law, and my grandchildren. Ceci, in many ways, became a part of their family. Every aspect of this marvelous woman will be missed. She was a walking example of goodness. My sympathies to the entire family. Ceci was a marvelous friend.
What a life well lived. I wished I had known Ceci as she sounds like my kind of human. Her love and light is carried by you, Megan, and I’m happy to have that in this world. Sending love and comfort to you all.
I first met Cici in New Smyrna Beach, FL while staying with friends. She was so warm and kind. We became friends right away, I looked forward to our once a year trips to get together and have supper and enjoy the beach. She was good at sending cards and staying in touch and we had an occasional phone call. I will miss her but blessed to have known her. Condolences to all who knew and loved her. Praying for her family.
I met Ceci through our mutual Acoustic Neuroma journey. She was always a bright spot in our meetings and a joy to be with. Her courage will alwYs be remembered. My deepest sympathy to all.
I met Ceci through a political group.
As I grew to know her more I was always struck by her energy, her active life style. And her joy in living and doing. I am shocked to day to Hearn of her passing and I want to express my deepest sympathy to her family. She will be missed by so many.
I was so shocked to hear of her death. I became friends with her through the Y Aqua classes. She was such a delightful person whom many of us enjoyed. You ( her family) & her many many friends will all will be in my prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️ I hope picturing her in heaven with Jesus will bring each of you some peace of heart. 😇🙏🙏🙏😇
I enjoyed the many years I’ve known Ceci. I know she now is in a better place. I will miss her very much.
I had the good fortune of living next door to Ceci, Missy, Megan and Scott in Rochesterwhen my children were born. Ceci was a generous neighbor and dear friend. She was God mother to my daughter, Bliss and even though she spent almost no time with her, supported her with stock certificates to the newly formed PayChex firm where she was working. Those helped to send Bliss to college. We kept in touch over the years from miles away as our family moved to Hawaii. She visited us here and we made great memories hiking the Volcano area on Hawaii Island. When I think of Ceci I see her smile and positive energy. She was always a caring, loyal friend and inspiration. As we say in Hawaii, a hui hou Ceci, “till we meet again.”
Goodbye my beautiful YMCA friend. I will miss your friendship and our gardening conversations. I wish we had more time to share. Rest in peace. 🙏💕