Obituary
Celestine (Ceil) Mainosky Bloxsom, age 94, beloved wife of the late William B. Bloxsom, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2017. Celestine was born on February 8, 1923 to the late Adolph and Stella (Dardzinski) Malinosky in Milford, CT. Celestine, one of the youngest of nine children, lived most of her life in Milford. After graduating from Milford High School in 1941, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from New Haven State Teachers College (now SCSU). Celestine completed the usual four year education in 3 years by taking summer classes for two years in a row, and becoming a “Cadet Teacher” to help fulfill the shortage in teaching staff caused by the outbreak of World War II. She also attended Columbia University taking graduate courses. While a student at Milford High School during the early years of World War II, Celestine was an airplane spotter on the rook of Milford High School. She used binoculars to look towards the sound, and was taught how to distinguish between commercial planes and war planes. She was a member of St. Mary’ Church for most of her life and sung in the choir from the time she was a teenager until well after her retirement. Celestine had no way to know that the handsome young tenor soloist Bill Bloxsom, who she knew from both high school and the church choir, would one day become her husband after he returned from the South Pacific during World War II. Celestine and Bill were married in St. Mary’s Church in 1949 and soon afterward began their family of four children while following Bill’s singing career around the country. During these years, Celestine became certified to teach in New York and Illinois, as well as in CT, and taught in many schools. When the family returned to Milford in 1961, Celestine began teaching at Central Grammar School for a few years and then Meadowside School for the final 16 years of her teaching career, retiring in 1982. Decades later, Celestine would be amazed and pleased when former students recognized her and declared her to be one of their best and all time favorite teachers. After retirement Celestine and Bill travelled to different states for USMC reunions and had a wonderful time. Their lives also revolved around their grown children and grandchildren in whose lives they were greatly involved. Celestine was a more than avid reader, an artist and musician. She lead a very full life. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters. Celestine is survived by her devoted and cherished family: daughter Marianne (Kenneth Wingood) of West Haven, sons William J. (Kathleen) of Milford, James P. (Catherine Birkinbine) of Orr’s Island, Maine, and Kenneth M. (Sandra) of Milford, and greatly loved grand children: Stacy Bloxsom of Milford, Brett Bloxsom (Cristina), Lindsay Brickley (Sean), Kevin Wigginton, Kira Wigginton, Kyle Birkinbine, Amy Daniells (Edmond), and Wesley Bloxsom. She also leaves her two precious and beloved great grandsons, Finnegan Brickley and Benjamin Bloxsom, as well as many dear nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Evelyn and Arlene Malinosky. Celestine also leaves her dear life-long friend Helen (Shine) Kolendo Mansfield whose friendship she treasured from the time they were babies. The family also wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care Celestine received in her final days by the nurses, doctors, aides, and other staff at Milford Hospital and Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Celestine on Saturday November 18, 2017 at 10:30am at St. Mary’s Church, Gulf Street in Milford. The Smith Funeral Home, 135 N. Broad St., Milford is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church.
Events
10:30 AM
MILFORD, CT 06460