Celia M. Simmons Kaminski Haas formerly of Nanticoke, PA, passed away on December 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her sons Curtis and Richard. Surviving are her children, George, Valerie (Moore Swanson), Deborah Koupinas, Rhonda Jones, and Julia McCleaf. A blessing service will be held on Friday May 9th at 11 a.m. in the Holy Trinity Cemetery Chapel, Sheatown. Interment will directly follow. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday May 11th beginning at 12 p.m. at the West Side playground Clubhouse, 389 West Grand Street, Nanticoke. When Paul and Mary Kaminski named their newborn daughter ‘Celia’ (born in Nanticoke) on March 7, 1921, they could not have imagined how beautifully their daughter would embody her namesake. Throughout history, the name ‘Celia’ has been associated with the heavens, Saint Cecilia, having a gentle soul, beauty and grace. Our ‘Celia’ was truly an angel walking the Earth and she was welcomed back to the heavens at 9:23pm on December 17, 2024. Indeed, she lived up to every bit of her angelic title. During her nearly 104 years, Celia enjoyed a full life. Her favorite memories were always of her babies- all of whom now have babies upon babies of their own. She leaves behind an expansive lineage – each of whom have been given the gift of her beautiful, deeply loving essence, a true testament to the power of our matriarch’s legacy of love. The last of her siblings - Stanley, Charley, Adele & Michael - to rejoin her parents in heaven, Celia also has been returned to her sons - Curtis (surviving spouse Karen Simmons), Paulie & Ricky- longtime love and husband George W. Simmons, husband Theordore Haas, and polka partner Joe Shutlock. She leaves behind son George Simmons (wife Geraldine), Valerie Simmons, Rhonda Jones (husband Art), Deborah Koupinas, and Julia McCleaf. Celia’s other ‘babies’ include 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. There will be a private family memorial in the coming months. In lieu of gifts or flowers, we feel Celia would be best honored through a personal offering of love, whatever that means to you; a family gathering, a call to reconnect with a loved one, a heartfelt donation to a child or family in need. Some local options include Nepa Youth Shelter in Wilkes-Barre (nepayouthshelter.org) or Saint Joseph’s Center Baby & Children’s Pantry (570-207-6640).