Obituary of Cecilia J. Gourley

Cecilia J. Gourley (Ceil)—91, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert E. Gourley, parents Antonina and Konstanty Kaczynski, sisters Stella Komatinsky and Madeline Finch, brothers Stanley, Stephen, Chester, Henry Kaczynski, sister-in-law Joy Meagher and their spouses. She is survived by her loving family—daughter and son-in-law Joye and Neil Clairmont, grandchildren Ryan and Amanda Clairmont, and Katie and Andrew Yezzi. She was Gigi to her great-grandchildren Ella and Carter Clairmont, and Clair and George Yezzi, who were the lights of her life. Ceil is also survived by her sister-in-law Carol Kaczynski and several cherished nieces and nephews. Ceil worked many years in the insurance field. At the age of 45, she achieved her degree as a Registered Nurse. She was a dedicated pediatric nurse at Lourdes Hospital until her retirement at 75 years of age. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and summers on the Saint Lawrence River with Bob. She was a devout catholic and a member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Church. She especially enjoyed teaching her great-grandchildren how to win at cards by cheating. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the many friends she cherished. Our deepest appreciation goes to Joette Cruz, Norma Roberts, Colleen Jayne and Karen George for their love and support for Ceil—she loved you like daughters. Special thanks to Sr. Hermenegilde Naluyima, Sr. Theresa, and Sr. Margaret for their friendship and spiritual support. The family would also like to thank the staff of Seton I, I Ross and Palliative Care at Lourdes Hospital, as well as those of Mercy House and Lourdes Hospice for the compassionate care provided to her. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Highland Avenue, Binghamton, Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J. A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760 in Ceil's memory. The Mass will be livestreamed at tinyurl.com/12w5eun or by going to https://sta-sp.org/