Elizabeth Cielo's Obituary
Elizabeth (Betty) Jeanette Cielo, 87, of Miami, FL passed away on December 15, 2025. She was born on August 6, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James and Elizabeth Hanna.
When the family moved to Miami, FL, she attended Miami Senior High School. While in Miami she met the love of her life at the roller rink, William C. Cielo Sr. (Bill). She thought he was the coolest thing ever! The connection was immediate, and it wasn’t long before they eloped and were married on January 26, 1955. That union lasted 47 years until Bill passed away. Bill and Betty raised their 3 children, William Jr., Christopher, and Cathleen (aka Billy, Chris and Cathy), along with the family pets, Tiny and Donut in Miami.
Bill and Betty lived in several states throughout their marriage (Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania) wherever Bill’s work took him over the years and finally returned to Florida when they retired.
Family was of utmost importance to her and Bill. Everyone loved to be at Bill and Betty’s house… all the brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Their home was always open to everyone, and they loved to host parties. Bill & Betty were also very close to the neighborhood kids and families. They were considered the cool, young active parents.
Betty cared for Bill Sr. during his long illness until he passed away on December 4, 2002. Their love never faded and, after losing Bill, Betty always looked forward to the day they would be reunited.
Through the years, Betty enjoyed working part-time in various shops where it seemed she was always being selected as Employee of the Year or Month. People loved Betty, she was fun and positive, and laughed easily. She enjoyed reading historical novels, and she loved the opportunity to work in Freedom Hall bookstore in Philadelphia to further her knowledge of American history. She loved to travel and achieved a dream when she was able to finally visit England several years ago. Grandchildren and great grandchildren were a source of pride and much bragging about them was guaranteed, although she did question some of the modern names.
She is survived by all three of her children, William C. Cielo Jr. (Janice) of Lee’s Summit, MO, Christopher Roy Cielo (Coleen) of Plainfield IL and Cathleen Cielo Presley (Danny) of Miami FL., sister Patricia Ott of Houstin TX, Brother Bill Hanna (Florencia) of Sewell NJ, seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband William (Bill) Cielo, mother Elizabeth Hanna, Father James Hanna, brother Jimmy Hanna, and granddaughter Amanda Presley.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at Baptist Hospital for taking care of her in her final days. Extra special thanks to the management team and staff at Homestead Manor Skilled Nursing Facility for the professional care and compassion Betty received over the past nine months.
There will be no funeral service, but plans are being made for a celebration of life in the Spring where Bill and Betty will be laid to rest together following.
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