Celine Mihal

Celine Mihal of Wayne passed away peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2020, after a brave and long battle with Alzheimer's.

Celine leaves behind a large and loving family of three children, six beloved grandchildren, a niece, nephews, and cousins. Loving family members are her daughter Patricia (Kiki) Graham and her husband James of Wayne and their children Eric, Shane, and Paige, son Daniel Mihal and his wife Marcy and their children John and Kate of Cape May Court House, son David Mihal of Toms River, and his former wife Terri Osbun of Butler and their daughter Kristi Mihal.

She is survived by her dear and devoted sister-in-law Ruth Varney and her husband David of Blairstown; her nephews Richard Puzio of Florida, Michael Puzio and his wife Beverly of Gilbert, Arizona, and their children Christopher and his wife Kayuna of Tokyo, Japan, and Sharon and her husband Bret Herndon and their son Michael in Arizona, Donald Puzio and his wife Maxine of Toms River; and her niece Susan Clark and her husband Dennis of Naples, Florida.

Born in Czartosy, Poland, Celine immigrated to the United States with her parents John and Helen Czartosiewski and sister Aline. The family settled in Palisades Park, NJ, and Celine was a graduate of Leonia High School.

Celine was a lively, energetic woman who loved to dance and spent her Saturdays with her sister and friends at the Polish People's Home in Passaic where she met her future husband Edward. Married on September 27, 1953, Edward introduced Celine's sister Aline to his best friend Leo Puzio and the two eventually married. The sisters had a close bond. On Sundays, they would frequently gather with their families and friends at Celine's home and cook dinners for some 15 people.

Celine and Edward eventually settled in Wayne where they raised their two sons, David and Daniel, and daughter Patricia better known as Kiki. Her children fondly remember summers at Cape May Point where they enjoyed the best childhood ever with their cousins at the beach with Mom and "Ciocie" (Aunt Aline), and with "Voj" (Uncle Leo) and their Dad visiting on weekends. Celine especially loved sunny days at the beach. She'd be smothered with baby oil and would walk along the shore collecting sea shells.

To this day, the children talk fondly of their happy memories of the shore and family outings to visit many state forests and parks, museums and historic places.

As founding members of Our Lady of the Valley Roman Catholic Church, Celine and Edward attended Mass at Wayne Valley High School before the parish church was built. Together they owned Belmont Beverage in Garfield for many years. Celine was predeceased by her husband Edward and her sister Aline Puzio and brother-in-law Leo.

Celine had a passion for gardening that was evidenced by her green thumb. She hated to be indoors, so in her retirement, she would spend her days tending to her beautiful flowers and shrubs. People passing her home would admire the yard and she proudly would give them a tour, usually sending them off with a plant she had just dug up for them. She loved coffee and was rarely seen without a mug in her hand. When visitors entered her home, the first thing Celine would ask is, "Would you like a cup of coffee?"

Later in life, Celine's joy was her grandchildren who called her Bobby, and she was never too busy to babysit or play with them. She shared her love of gardening with them and made sure they had their small rakes and shovels. Smiling, she would play the "game" of let's rake the leaves, and the kids loved it until they realized it was work.

Always an avid reader, Celine was a frequent patron of the Wayne Library. She loved life, the gifts of family and friends, and had a genuine interest and empathy for the people around her.

Even though it hurts to lose Celine, her family is relieved that her battle with Alzheimer's is over and that she's in a better place now. Rest in peace Bobby.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to the Wayne Public Library, Attention D. Vidal, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ, 07470.