Cecelia Pepin

is honored with a Brick from the staff of the Media Resources Center.

Cecelia (Cee Cee) was one of those enviable people who had a true gift for living. She was at her best when things were hopping and quick to liven up a dull situation so that things would hop. Except for bees and wasps she was fearless. Unafraid and unashamed, she was known to be the first and the last on the dance floor.

As a mother and a wife Cecelia was a teacher, a friend, a counselor and a defender. Having been raised in the sixties and seventies, Cee embraced a sense of hip and reminded us that it was more than being cool. Peace, love and fairness may seem quaint and unachievable but they are still important goals and should weigh as factors in how we live our lives, she reminded us. Her love was evident in personal sacrifices, patted backs, firm curfews and nervous evenings waiting for us all to be "home safe."

Her innate mechanical and reasoning skills made Cecelia a natural avionics technician. At her job at Collins Avionics, she was always proud to be a woman working in a field dominated by men. She demanded the respect of the guys that she worked with and she earned it. Cee also insisted that work be fun and she helped make it that way. Practical jokes, singing... whatever makes you smile. The technical work that she did brought to the surface her need for creative outlets. Whether throwing pots or cooking she was able to embellish the mechanics with a creative flair.

She was proud. She knew herself and trusted herself. Cee knew that who she was came partially from who her parents and siblings were and she kept them fondly in her heart. Loyalty meant something.

Those of us who knew and loved her are better, smarter and stronger people because of the relationship.

Cecelia died 27 days short of her 45th birthday and an immeasurable number of years short of the time we wanted to spend with her.

June 7, 1999