Cecilia (Wesneski) Ravas

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Cecilia "Ceil" Ravas. Cecilia was born on November 21st, 1930, and left us peacefully on January 1st, 2026.

Cecilia is survived by her devoted daughters, Diana and Graham Tait, Kathryn and Dan Casey, Linda and Tom Carney, Elaine Madigan, and Barbara Ravas / John McDonald; her loving grandchildren, Ryann and Pat Hughes, Jessica and Mike Lohin, Allison and Justin Reese, Meaghan and Jon Klenovic, Sarah and Thomas O'Connell, Erin Carney / Steve Pica, Brian Carney / Renah Ferreira, Tommy and Molly Carney, 13 great-grandchildren, special cousin Patti Smith, and dear friends, Kathy and Johanna.  Her treasured husband, Paul W. Ravas, predeceased her, as did her cherished granddaughters, Dacey and Magill Madigan, and her son-in-law, Tom Race. 

Cecilia was a lifelong, devoted member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and later the Church of the Holy Trinity.   She held a special place in her heart for Mary, and she prayed the rosary daily.   Cecilia was active in her community.  She was a member of the Prospect Terrace Fire Company Auxiliary, served on the St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery board, and was a past member of the St. Stanislaus Kostka Rosary Society and the Golden Girls.

Cecilia was strong and determined, and she lived independently until the last two months of her life.  Her zest for life was evident in her love of reading, playing pinochle, road trips, cooking, gardening, and dining out. She was known for never leaving home without her lipstick, but it was her devout faith, strength, intellect, easy laugh, care, and warmth that people will remember most. She embodied these qualities in every interaction.

Cecilia always reminded those around her to remember their roots, heritage, and traditions. The little ones all looked forward to the annual Christmas Kolaczki-making and the Easter basket blessing, which included four generations.  Among her many accomplishments, she was known as a legendary cake decorator at Endwell Bakery. This skill brought joy to her grandchildren when a cake decorated by Grandma was brought to celebrations.  She then worked in the rectory office at St. Stanislaus Kostka/Holy Trinity until she was 80!  She enjoyed her interactions with the other parish staff, priests, and parishioners.

As the matriarch of the family, Cecilia proudly watched generations grow and flourish. Cecilia’s legacy is defined by her thoughtfulness, kindness, and understanding.  She touched countless lives with her presence, and her spirit will live on in those who knew her. 

PLEASE NOTE UPDATE:  A Funeral Mass will be offered at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 10 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1 Aquinas St., Binghamton, NY 13905.  Family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the Mass at 1:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery.    Arrangements by Bednarsky Funeral Home, Inc.

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