Obituary of Cecelia M. Slavin

Cecelia Marie Tassio Slavin, 90, (Ceil) passed away peacefully on November 21, 2014 with her daughter by her side. She was a longtime resident of Hastings-on-Hudson up until May, 2011 when she moved to Cabrini of Westchester in Dobbs Ferry, NY. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jimmy, in June, 2001. Born August 29, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine Tassio. She attended Hastings schools, and she graduated with the class of 1942. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Maureen Salaun of Stamford, CT and Joanne Rocker, (A.J) of Baldwinsville, NY, her sister, Anne F. Schnibbe, brother, Jack Tassio, and many nieces and nephews. Ceil was blessed with 3 beautiful granddaughters, Marisa (Ken) Villegas, of Silver City, NM, Paige and Hayley Rocker of Baldwinsville, NY. In 2010 she became a proud Great-Grandma of Joseph Clint, and in 2013, Matthew James. She was predeceased, by her sisters Catherine Nuzzo, Marie Falvo, and her brother Stephen Tassio. Ceil held various jobs throughout her life, but she was well known for being a waitress at the Center Restaurant in Hastings. She served her customers with a smile and true heart always going above and beyond. She was a loyal member and past-president of the V.F.W. James Daley Post 200 in Hastings and always looked forward to marching with pride in every Memorial Day Parade. She was a member of the Mothers Club in Hastings, and the Senior Citizens choir. She was also a member of the Hastings Fife, Drum and Bugle Corp. Ceil had a huge passion of bringing joy to everyone she met. She is known to her family and friends as the “Dancing Queen” because whenever there was music; you could find Ceil out on the dance floor “having the time of her life.” Her joy and zest for life was contagious and just this past August she was still dancing at her 90th birthday party with close friends and family. Whatever the holiday season was, Ceil baked cookies for all the local merchants in town. She so appreciated the people of Hastings, and she always left a trail of joy and laughter. An avid swimmer, Ceil could always be found up at the Chemka Pool, doing the backstroke and relaxing with friends. When she wasn’t swimming, you could spot Ceil on the Main Street bench with friends, soaking up the sun or reading a good book. She was an icon in her little hometown of Hastings and loved every second of being there. Ceil’s favorite holiday was Halloween. She dressed up every year for the town’s Halloween parade and everyone looked forward to seeing what she was going to wear. Her greatest and most cherished moments that lit up her face were when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit her. It was a joyous surprise and delight to have met her 2nd great-grandson in August. She was well known as a “spitfire” up at Cabrini and highly admired for her independent free spirit. Ceil will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hastings Funeral Home, 15 Spring St, Hastings-on-Hudson. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. on, at St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Church in Hastings-on-Hudson and followed by interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Hastings Alumni Association, 1 Mt. Hope Blvd, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 or http://hohalumni.org or Hospice of Westchester, 311 North Street, Suite 204, White Plains, NY 10605 or http://www.hospiceofwestchester.com.