Cecilia “Ceci” Ray of Eureka, California passed away on June 12, 2018. She lived her 81 years surrounded by family, friends, love and a lot of laughter.

Ceci was born Ana Cecilia Aguilar to Dolores de Aguilar and Jeramias Araya Aguilar on December 15th, 1936 in San Jose, Costa Rica. She was employed by the Costa Rica Department of Public Heath after her graduation from Santa Margarita college.

Ceci’s greatest joy in life was the love she held for her husband, the late Robert “Robbie” Henry Ray of Eureka. The couple met while Ray was on an extended cruise with the U.S. Naval Reserve. The two wed on October 12th, 1958 at Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka.

Ceci moved to the United States to love her Robbie, and that love never faltered. Ceci and Robbie were happily married for 45 years. They had two daughters, Ligia and Marika. Ceci and Robbie raised their daughters on Humboldt Hill where they spent their time with family and lots of great friends.

Growing up in a much warmer climate, Ceci looked forward to summertime fun spent on their houseboat at Trinity Lake. While Robbie spent his entire career at Pacific Gas and Electric, Ceci taught English at Alice Birney and Eureka High Night School for over twenty years. Following their retirements, Ceci and Robbie moved to Willow Creek where they enjoyed years of entertaining friends, visiting family, and long afternoons by their pool. One could often find them slow dancing to Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman” out of the jukebox at the Willow Creek Country Club, no matter the time of day, day of the week, or lack of people on the dance floor.

Ceci and Robbie eventually moved to Lundbar Hills where they lived out their lives gardening, traveling — including back to Costa Rica many times — and antiquing. Ceci could always be found with dog on her lap, as her dogs were a source of great joy in her life.

Ceci is survived by her daughters, Ligia Ray and husband Bob Murias, and Marika Ray Schamoni and husband Peter Schamoni. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Alaina Piland, Izzy Piland, Marco Schamoni, and Nacia Schamoni.

The family would like to thank Mary Ellen, Carmen, and Robin Fraser for all their kindness and support over the years. The family would also like to thank the caregivers at Renaissance Timber Ridge for their loving care of our beloved Ceci.

The family has held a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sequoia Humane Society. 

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ceci’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.