Obituary of Cecelia Godfred

Cecelia Helen Balla was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 25, 1917. She was one of four daughters born from the union of the late Andrew Balla and the late Helen (Vargo) Balla. She attended St. Mary Academy. Cecelia married Carl W. Godfred on June 12, 1937 at St. Mary's Parish in Monroe. Cecelia was a homemaker, and worked several years as a clothing press operator for Monroe Steam Laundry. The family moved with their four youngest children to Beloit, Wisconsin in July of 1961. Later when Carl retired they moved to Friendship, Wisconsin. They enjoyed traveling and especially camping. Carl passed away on June 7, 1983 and in 1985 Cecelia moved back to Monroe. Cecelia was very active in her faith and attended Mass daily at St. Michael, was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, and former member of the Altar Society at St. Joseph Church. She enjoyed gardening and was passionate about her Jade Plants and African Violets. Cecelia enjoyed bird watching, raising canaries, crocheting, and knitting. She had visited Disney, Las Vegas, Hawaii and Jamaica with her children. Cecelia Helen Godfred age 94 of Monroe passed away at 3:30pm, Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Lutheran Home of Monroe. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her husband; two sons-in-law: William Keilman and Clyde Harmon; two sisters: Rose Beckman and Irene DiSabatino; and one great grandson: Alex Weakly. She leaves to cherish her memory six children: Suzanne K. (Paul) Kiley of Monroe, Karen E. Harmon of Monroe, Larry C. Godfred of Joliet, Illinois, Douglas R. Godfred of Beloit, Wisconsin, Christine A. (Gregory) Lifer of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Mary Ellen Taylor of Oregon, Wisconsin; one sister: Margaret Jarrait of Monroe; fourteen grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. She will lie in state from 10:00-11:00am, Friday, December 9, 2011 at St. John the Baptist Church, 511 South Monroe. The Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00am with Father James Smalarz pastor of the church officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for burial. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. John the Baptist. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a memorial donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.