Cecilia Nascimento Byrne

Cecilia Byrne, also known as "Cecile", "Ceil" or "Nanny Ceil" 97, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away on March 24, 2020. Ceil was born October 12, 1922 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts to Antone Nascimento and Cecelia Fernandez Nascimento.

In Massachusetts she worked at New Bedford Steam Dyehouse, Cornell Dubilier, Ashworth’s and Holiday House. Ceil moved to Fort Lauderdale from Massachusetts in the late 50's and married Clyde “Bud” Byrne in 1961. After raising her son Tom, she became a florist, following her lifelong love of flowers. This love continued with a tradition of Bud picking a rose from their garden each morning to give to his beloved, Ceil. She and Bud were active members of St. Jerome Church in Fort Lauderdale until Bud passed away in 1993 and she moved to Plantation. At St. Jerome she met many of her closest lifelong friends and active in numerous charitable activities, including the parish’s annual carnival. In Plantation was a member of St. Gregory Church, where she was active in the Life After 50's Fellowship.

Ceil was an independent woman who wouldn’t leave the house unless she was “dressed to the 9s” and wearing her favorite lipstick. She was very active in community and church activities and regularly drive to her hot spots of church, Publix, Broward Mall and her family's house, until the age of 93 when she fell outside of church. At that time, she moved to Five Star Residences of Plantation and later Broward Nursing and Rehab in Fort Lauderdale.

Aside from her lively spirit and love for others, Ceil was best known for her quick wit and unforgettable baking, including her famous Cream Puffs, Christmas cookies, Pistachio Cake, Coffee Cake, Lemon Squares and Banana Bread. Nanny Ceil was an icon to everyone who knew her and a shining light for her family and community.

Her main passion in life was her beloved family, and she was devoted to raising her three granddaughters who she became like a second mothers to. While they were in school, Ceil became active in activities at Soref JCC Pre-School, St. Gregory The Great Catholic School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, where she became known to many as "Nanny Ceil". At St. Gregory she was awarded the honor of Grandmother of the Year.

She is survived by her sister and best friend Isabel "Bella" Perry; son, Thomas Byrne; daughters-in-law, Sharon Byrne and Nanci Byrne; grandchildren, Lauren Byrne, Cailin Byrne, Catherin Byrne, Kathleen Byrne Gettel and Craig Byrne; nieces and nephews, Russel Souza and Heidi Perry

A viewing and visitation will be held this Sunday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW 4 Street in Plantation, Florida 33317.  (Only 10 visitors at a time with 6 feet of separation are allowed to be admitted into the funeral chapel at one time) 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, 10:00 AM at Saint Gregory The Great Catholic Church 200 N. University Drive Plantation, Florida.  (Only limited attendees are allowed to be admitted into church at one time) 

Private interment will follow at Lauderdale Memorial Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Friends are encouraged to visit her graveside Block 11 Lot 49 Grave 11 at a future date. The family will also hold a Celebration of Life, complete with Ceil’s favorite baked goods, at a later date.

In lieu of flower arrangements the family is asking for friends to make donations to their favorite charities.  At the viewing and visitation a vase will be available if guest would like to bring a single rose in her honor.

Funeral arrangements by T. M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 954-587-6888 www.tmralph.com.

During these uncertain times and in compliance with CDC guidelines, our funeral home will limit the number of visitors for funeral services.  You are able to leave an online condolence for the family at tmralph.com. If you are unable to attend, you may call the funeral home to add your name to the funeral register book for the family.  Grief is already complicated, and adding new restrictions just complicates it more - we understand. Our funeral home thanks you for your patience and complying to make it a little easier for the family.