Cecilia Rose (Jute) Totera

Cecilia Rose Totera, 96, of New Brighton passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021. Born March 25, 1924, in New Brighton, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Jute. During World War II, Cecilia worked at Kobuta Synthetic Rubber Plant. She was later employed as an inspector at the Westinghouse Propeller Plant. During this time, she attended the University of Pittsburgh, taking Chemistry classes to enhance her job skills.

As a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Church, she served as the first president of the Christian Mothers and sang in the church choir as well as the choir at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. She was a devoted member of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  By teaching CCD classes, she helped to spread the love of God to children. She mentored First Grade children who were eager to read with her at Mount Gallitzin Academy. She was an active member of the Holy Family Gold Club and former CFU Lodge 738 Beaverites.

Cecilia was a published writer/poet and an avid reader. As a homemaker, she enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. She was also a talented seamstress, had an appreciation for flowers and gardening, and looked forward to family weekend outings. She was active in the Girl and Boy Scouts and assisted in her children’s sports and school programs. Cel loved dancing with her Jim and playing the guitar. Making rosaries for the missions with her dearest husband was a fulfilling endeavor.

She was preceded in death by James, her devoted husband of 72 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mary (Thomas) Procovich, Rochester Twp., Anne Marie (Gregory - deceased) Braunger, Washington, and Rose Watson, Missouri. One son, James Joseph Totera, New Brighton. Six grandchildren, Michael (Melinda) Procovich, Lynette (Scott) Myers, Amy (Mark) Frank, Monica (Zachary) Hudson, Ben (Melanie) Watson, Will (Alexandra) Watson. Twelve great grandchildren, Taylor (Trent) Brotherton, Logan Frank, Penelopy and Thomas Myers, Joey Haake, Miles, Ollie, and Tara Watson, Aiden Maupin, and Atlas Kozemczak, and Avonlea and Celia Hudson. Two great-great grandchildren, Travis and Chase Brotherton. 

Due to COVID-19, private family visitation will be Monday from 9:00 AM until time of prayer at 10:30 AM in the J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Rochester, with the Reverend Robert J. Miller officiating. Internment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, New Brighton.

CDC guidelines of masks and social distancing will be followed at both locations.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the exceptional caregivers. Their dedication and loving effort to provide quality care was a heartwarming blessing to the entire family.

We thank God for the gift of her life and the blessing of the time we spent with her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Cecilia’s memory to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Pittsburgh. Ways to donate: Online at ccpgh.org, Mail-in at Catholic Charities, 212 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or Call 412-456-6953.

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