Sister Celia Kiesel (baptized Joan Cecelia), born in Bronx, New York, on July 15, 1926, died on October 9, 2016, at the Sisters of St. Francis Health Center, Stella Niagara, New York. She was the daughter of the late Conrad and Mary (O'Connell) Kiesel.

Sister Celia, after serving for two years in the US Air Force in Greenville, South Carolina, entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Stella Niagara, New York, on September 4, 1955, and was professed on August 18, 1958.

Sister Celia’s ministry included Teaching in elementary schools in Lewiston and Niagara Falls, New York; in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; and Columbus, Ohio. She also served in Pastoral Ministry and Outreach Programs in Niagara Falls, New York; Murray City and Columbus, Ohio; and Tampa, Florida. She most enjoyed working directly with the poor. As a licensed cosmetologist, Sr. Celia set up a shop at Stella Niagara. She was an artist, seamstress and creative crafts person. Sister retired at Stella Niagara Convent in 2005 and became a resident of the Stella Niagara Health Center in 2009.

She is survived by siblings: Virginia (Vincent) Shary, Conrad (Margaret) Kiesel, Sister Marcella Kiesel, OSF and Anthony (Patricia) Kiesel.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 12 from 3-7PM at Stella Niagara Convent, with a Prayer Service at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10AM in the Sisters’ Chapel.

Donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 4421 Lower River Road, Stella Niagara, New York 14144.
 

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