It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Celia Webb, on July 25th at the age of 80, at Wellington Terrace, where she had resided for the past 10 months.
Loving wife for 58 years to Ken, who pre-deceased her by 11 days. Beloved mother to Martha (Shane), and sister to Douglas (Lois) and Gary Ryder. She was also predeceased by her parents, Rudolph and Lucy Ryder. She was sister-in-law to Donald (Mary Lou) and predeceased by Ronald (Marilyn). Celia was aunt to Steven (Cathy), Greg (Marnie), Matthew (Sarah), Stephanie (Tim), Richard (Angela), Mark and Kathleen.
Celia was born in Guelph, grew up on Elizabeth St., and attended Tytler Public School and Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI) from 1954-58. She was involved in many school activities and athletics and particularly excelled in swimming, which would be a lifelong passion. She also enjoyed badminton, tennis and downhill skiing over the years. Throughout her life she was an avid reader of murder mysteries, excelled at needlework, and became an enthusiastic quilter, winning awards for her designs.
Celia’s professional career was at the University of Guelph for over 30 years, where she applied her impressive accounting and organizational skills to developing and running various student support programs, and later as administrator for the on-campus child-care centre. In retirement she developed a passion for genealogy and did extensive research collecting history for both the extended Webb and Ryder families.
Celia was very active in supporting competitive swimming, as a participant, a coach and through officiating. Celia acted as President of the Guelph Marlin Aquatic Club in the 1980’s. She was also one of the founders of the Master’s swim program in Guelph and coached the group for many years.
Celia spent summertime at Belwood Lake for over 60 years, first at an uncle’s cottage, then as a camp counselor and eventually at their own cottage, built by Ken and enlarged over the years. They enjoyed gardening together, both at home and at the cottage. Celia and Ken also loved to travel together, with family vacations each year to Florida and then spending winters in Fort Myers after retirement. Sanibel Island was a special place for the family for years, where Celia spent many happy hours walking the beach collecting shells.
Celia was a very loving and generous person, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She was fiercely protective of her loved ones, doted on Ken and Martha, and was the driving force keeping their lives organized and on track. She was vivacious and out-going, happy to chat with complete strangers, and loved the social time spent with many friends over years. Her presence is already sorely missed by everyone that knew her.
A private family funeral service will be held at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, with burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Unfortunately, at this time there will be no visitation, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society or the charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted in memory of Celia Webb in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum.