Cecilia C. (O'Leary) Wyatt

Cecilia (O’Leary) Wyatt (Thornton) was born October 21, 1951, and passed away on July 7, 2019, surrounded by loved ones.  Daughter of the late John O’Leary and the late Regina (Hartmann) O’Leary, Ce grew up in Forty Acres and was a proud graduate of Wilmington High (Red Devils).  She was preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Teresa O’Leary Krzywicki, ReGina O’Leary Moorhead, and Margaret O’Leary Shaw, as well as her beloved niece Katy Brown.

Ce is survived by her loving husband William (Bill) Thornton, her son James M. Wyatt III and daughter ReGina B. Wyatt.  Ce is also survived by her siblings, Michael O’Leary, Patricia Cunningham, Joe O’Leary, Richard O’Leary, MaryEllen O’Leary, Gerard O’Leary, Catherine St. Clair, and Ann O’Leary.  Ce was also an adored Aunt to countless nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ce had an old and wise soul.  Ce’s family was her greatest treasure.  Her passion and commitment to her “big” family, her strength, her kindness, her selflessness, and her frequent notes of love and positive inspiration to so many.  Cecilia had a loving spirit with a gentle and kind heart.  She gave selflessly to all and was “mom” and friend to countless extended loved ones.  Ce was known to open her home to friends, neighbors, co-workers of her children, and frequently shared what she had with a generous spirit.  Ce, much like her mom, was strong, courageous, never gave up, and lived each day with wisdom and kindness.  Ce was a cancer survivor and fought many years with other wounds and illnesses.

Ce’s husband, son, and daughter reflected on her amazing life that touched so many other lives.  Bill remembered falling in love with her while working with her at AIG.  Bill said he would watch her walk by with her beautiful hair pulled up in a ponytail swinging side to side and he was captivated by her smile.  Bill said Ce was his “Cuddlesbear” and he was her “Billybear”.   Jimmy and Gina remember a loving and dedicated mom who had a welcoming heart to all and a positive and uplifting way of living her life.  Her grandchildren included “Micky and Minnie” who were the family cats who stole her heart.  Ce was an adopted mom to so very many like Rob Berghaine and DaShawnn Williams and so many at the Wilmington Police Department. 

Cecilia shared her talents in making crafts, sewing, cooking, and helping raise her younger siblings.  To so many, Ce set the bar high as a hero, role model, and cherished loved one.  Ce’s beautiful soul reflected in the light in eyes and the wise and kind words left lovingly on so many pages on social media and in numerous cards that inspired our hearts.  Ce lifted the spirit of all who were fortunate enough to know her.  Ce had childhood friends for life in the Patridges, and Ce had two of the best friends and sisters in heart (Blanca and Esther) to share so very many happy memories with her and her children.

There were so very many celebrations with family and friends where Ce would give generously of her time, provide thoughtful gifts, write heart-felt notes, and quietly help set up and clean up for all gatherings. Ce was humble, generous, loving, and thoughtful in every moment of her precious life.  Ce joins beloved parents and her three cherished sisters in Heaven to be our angel to watch over us.

Family and friends are invited attend viewing and services at Doherty’s Funeral Home 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Sat, July 13 with public viewing from 9 to 10:30 am and services immediately following at 10:30. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Elkton, MD.  Immediately following burial, all are invited back to the Moorhead home to share memories.  Flowers are gratefully accepted but In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Cecilia may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. (www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate). 

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