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Celebrating the life of

Celeste DeMarco Iocovozzi

Passed away on February 20, 2021

Celeste DeMarco Iocovozzi

Celeste Maria DeMarco Iocovozzi, “Mama Celeste”, slept straight into heaven, on Saturday, February 20, 2021.  Born on April 11, 1928, in Utica, NY, Celeste was the only child of Louis and Elizabeth DeMarco. She was married to George Iocovozzi for 46 years and they lovingly raised 5 children.

Celeste earned an Associate Degree in Recreational Therapy from Russell Sage College, in Albany, NY. She worked as a therapist at Belleview Hospital, in New York City, before she and George were married and moved to Savannah, in 1952.

Celeste was an avid speed reader, bridge and tennis player. She loved to draw, paint and was a natural poet, who loved to pen, life stories of her children. This served her well on Christmas mornings, where she wrote an annual poem, highlighting the family events of the year.

Celeste was a charter member of St. James Church. She volunteered with the American Red Cross and was a Pink Lady at Memorial Hospital. Celeste volunteered at St. James School, Sacred Heart School as well as Benedictine Military School. 

She was funny, independent, outgoing, creative and the ultimate hostess and stylist. Celeste treasured her travels, especially several trips to Italy, with her beloved, George.

What Celeste loved most of all was cooking, baking and feeding her family. In 1983, Celeste wrote and published, Savannah Cooks the Italian Way, which later became the official Italian cookbook of the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans.  It was important to her to pass her beloved family recipes down to her children and friends. In 1992, Celeste won the Savannah Jaycee’s Chili Cook Off, against some of Savannah’s top restaurants and chefs.  Pizza, pasta, cookies, pleasant smells and delicious food were abundant, in her home and no one ever left hungry or feeling unloved. Celeste enjoyed entertaining and was known for her extravagant Dessert Parties.

Celeste is predeceased by her parents and her husband George who passed away in 1998. Surviving, are her children, Kim (Helen), Kevin (Kim), Beth (Tony), Jay (Lisa), Karen (Garret), 15 Grandchildren, Emma, Cherry, Seve, Chamberlain, James, Emily, Sarah, Nelle, Jonathan (Cecilia), Elizabeth (Michael), Wesley (Ashley), Hannah, Olivia, Alexandra and Jacob and 1 Great Grandson, Louis DeMarco.

Services for Celeste will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Thursday, February 25, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the Catholic Cemetery, at a later date. If you cannot attend her service, please join us on Live Stream at the St. James Catholic Church website at www.stjamessav.com/live-stream.

Celeste’s family extends tremendous gratitude to Hospice Savannah, Inc. and FirstLight Homecare for providing excellent care, comfort and compassion. In Mama Celeste’s final year, she was joyfully surrounded with family and friends who embraced her with love, music, good food and laughter, at the home of her daughter, Beth.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations, in Celeste’s memory, to St. James Church, Hospice Savannah, Inc. and FirstLight Homecare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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Our thoughts and prayers for your family

- Triet & Stacy Bui, Savannah , GA

So sorry for your loss. Celeste was an amazing woman.

- Iocovozzi , Savannah , Georgia

A candle has been lit!

- Meg Iocovozzi Herrmann , Savannah , ga

I echo the sentiment that so many have said and are saying now .... your sweet mama was a treasure ... a special lady...a true blessing !! Thank you for sharing her with us. Priceless. May you all continue to draw from the steadfast fast and love that makes up your family. Hugs and prayers.

- Kelly and Alex Hunt, Savannah, GA

God bless the Iocovozzi family. May perpetual light shine upon her.

- Veva Harty Shuman, Savannah , GA

Sending our sympathies to the family of Mama Celeste. She was a beautiful lady with a wonderful family who cared for her until her last days on earth. May she Rest In Peace and may her family find peace and comfort♥️ Love Ann & George

- Ann (Tocco) Treen, Ilion, NY

No words can express my deepest sorrow on the loss of my first cousin and Aunt Celeste.I only have the fondest memories of The summer Vacations I spent with her in my childhood; The road trips from Frankfort to Savannah with all 5 “kids” and my best friend when I lived in Savannah.Celeste was to me more than a cousin or Aunt l always considered her “ my older sister”. Celeste alway gave me her love, respect and advice.I loved her more than my words can express. Dear Aunt Celeste Rest In Peace . Our family has lost a Treasure.

- Petrilli/Iocovozzi, Palm Springs , Ca

Beth, I was so sorry to hear of your Mother's death. You were so blessed to have her - a wonderful mother who was loved by all who knew her and I'm sure by those who never met her but heard of her. She's with your Dad now and I know that comforts you. Praying for you and all the family. Love you lots. Roxie

- Roxie Bryant, Savannah, GA

Beth and Family, I simply don’t have the words. So excited Mama Celeste is wrapped in God’s Loving Arms, but at the same time so very heartbroken for your loss. Praying God will Bless the entire family with love and strength through the days ahead. Much love to all, Diane & Bubba Sumerlin

- Diane SUMERLIN , North Myrtle Bea, SC

I THINK GOD! THAT I WAS BLESS TO MEET SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE! I WILL TRUELY MISS CELESTE! VERY MUCH! I LOVE HER! I WILL NEVER FORGET HER. OR HER FAMILY! I WILL CHERISH THE TIME THAT SHE WAS IN MY LIFE! I THANK GOD THAT I WAS ABLE TO HELP TAKE CARE OF HER!

- Shirley A Campbell, SAVANNAH, GA - Georgia

A candle has been lit!

- Diane Sumerlin , North Myrtle Beach , SC

I lived for Thursdays because I knew the Mama Celeste video was coming out and it would give me life. So moved that I had to meet her and what a blessing it was for me and Regan that November day in 2017. My sincerest condolences to you Beth, Tony, your siblings and family members. My prayers have been effectually fervent and steadfast. May the Holy Spirit bring Comfort to all of you ❤

- LaTonjua Davis , Ellenwood , Ga

Our thoughts and prayers are with family .

- Ivan Read, Pooler, GA

A candle has been lit!

- George Peters, Savannah, GA

Wow! What an amazing woman that had an amazing life. I know she is with George smiling down on all of us. Truly an Angel! Prayers sent for all of her family and friends. Dwell on the fond memories and know there were many!

- Rb Quattlebaum, Savannah , Georgia

Kevin so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

- Ann Baker, Stilson, Ga

A candle has been lit!

Sincere condolences to the entire family on the loss of your mom. You sure do have many cherished memories. Thoughts and Prayers are with you. May God Bless you all.

- Jim and Karen Blakewood, Savannah, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

Our Thoughts and Prayers to all of the Iocovozzi family. Celeste was one of a kind. She is leaving so many Memories in everyone's Heart❤ RIP my Friend. Jim & Gerry Chamberlain

- Gerry Chamberlain, Red Bank, TN

What a dear and treasured lady!. Peace and comfort to you all. I too loved the Mama Celeste videos. It was sweet to share her with us. Rest in Peace.

- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah, GA

Every time. Mrs Celeste came to Hospice Savannah she would smile my Condolences to the family I am a cook there and She Enjoyed My food Thank you for the memories.

- Cynthia Tisdale, THUNDERBOLT, GA

our sincere condolences. wishing you and your family peace during this difficult time.

- gale singer & richard radetsky , savannah, GA

Our heartfelt condolences. May you all find solace in your loving memories.

- Quintin & Joan Cowart Family, Savannah, Georgia

I am so sorry to hear about Celeste, she was a beautiful and caring woman that will be missed every day. My prayers are with the Family and all that was touched by her love.

- Pat Kelly, Savannah, GA

Beth I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I truely understand your pain. But she is in Heaven now with my momma aunt lucy and aunt mary and they are all having a time togeather. Love Connie

- Connie Harvey (Boyter), Savannah, GEORGIA

Heartfelt sympathy to the Iocovozzi family.

- Pat Digirolamo , Port St Lucie , Florida

Beth and Tony, Such a loving, beautiful tribute for an extraordinary woman. Our deepest condolences to the entire Iocovozzi family. All our love and prayers...

- Sherry Meddin Macchia, Torrance , California

So sorry.....my deepest sympathy to her family.

- Karl L. Martin, Savannah, Georgia

Steve and I extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of your wonderful Momma. She and George were friends with both our families. She had a wonderful life and we know she will be missed by all who knew her. May her memory be eternal and we will keep you all in our prayers. Love and peace to all of you. ✝️❤️ Steve and Crystal

- Steve & Crystal Anestos Nelson, Palm Coast, FL

Beth and family, Thursdays will not be the same without the Mama Celeste videos! How wonderful y’all had that time together! I know you all will miss her terribly. After reading more about her, I realized she and my mother missed each other at Bellevue Hospital in NY by only a few years. Now, they can share Big Apple stories in Heaven together!

- Margaret Wallace, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

Sending our sympathy to your entire family - May She Rest in Peace Love, John, Eva & Michael

- The Chiro Family, Lyndhurst, OH

Kevin, Kim and family, Thoughts and prayers for your family and may the good Lord comfort you all in the days to come.

- Randy Powell, Guyton, Ga.

Prayers for Your Mama Celeste. An angel has gone to be with the Lord in Heaven. Rejoice and celebrate her wonderful life.

- Herb Weaver, Savannah, Ga

A candle has been lit!

My sincere condolences for your loss.

- Jan Whitehead, Savannah, Ga

Dear Beth and Family, 'Celeste': what a life well lived! The memories are overwhelming: from the time you all moved near our family on Sylvan Drive...to the many events at the Italian Club...to her graciousness to my sister and more recently to visits with her - as she became a timeless 'senior woman'. I'm grateful that our families' lives crossed. The Quadrella family is better for knowing dear Celeste. You are in my heart and prayers, Sr. M. Lillian, RSM

- Sister M. Lillian Quadrella, RSM, Savannah, Ga

I’m so sorry for your loss. She had to have been an amazing mom to raise such great people.

- Tony Kiene, Savannah, GA

Celeste will be missed by many, but she certainly made her mark on this world...and always with a smile.

- Melissa and Ben Wells, Savannah, georgia

We know that she was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. May God bless all of the Iocovozzi families. Bruce, Margaret, Bo and Sellers Elliott

- Elliott, Macon, Ga

We are very saddened to hear of Mrs. Iocovozzi's passing. She will surely be missed by family et al. We are sending much love and many prayers for family and loved ones. Betty and Danny Furlong

- Danny and Betty Furlong, Savannah , Ga.

A candle has been lit!

SORRY ABOUT YOUR MOTHER MAY SHE RIP

- JOHN MELL, Savannah, Georgia

Celeste will be missed by many people, she was one of a kind, and loved by all. Know that we are thinking of you. Always Gloria

- Gloria Cirincione & family, Savannah, GA

Kevin our thoughts are with you during this time. Thinking of you!

- Philip Grosé

Karen, Your mom sounds like an amazing woman, who left you with many wonderful memories. As time goes by, they will be a joy to remember. Thinking of you all! Sincerely, Laurie Bowles

- Laurie Bowles, Westlake, Ohio

I’ve known Karen since high school but only knew Mama Celeste through FB photos and videos. What a spirited and fun-loving woman she was. I enjoyed watching her antics and loved listening to her comments on life. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Take comfort in the fact she’s with our Lord and reunited with your father. Prayers for peace and strength during this difficult time. Love to all ❤️

- Pattie Barnes, Savannah, Ga

Beth, I'm so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. I enjoyed your Facebook visits with her. What a great lady! And what a wonderful daughter you are to her. It looks like Mama Celeste's whole family embraced her and loved her. I'm sure she is at peace with God in heaven.

- Phyllis Osten, Bradenton, Florida

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200