Barbara Ann Celeste

Barbara Ann Celeste, age 84, of Lula, GA passed away Monday, February 8, 2021.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Joseph Rosario Celeste, whom she married May 20, 1952. 

Son and daughter-in-law, Anthony Joseph and MaryAnn Celeste; their children, Michael Anthony Celeste (wife) Angel Celeste, (Children) Aria and Emerie Celeste, David Charles Celeste (wife) Darcy Celeste, (Children) Owen and Aubree Celeste, Jessica Marie Celeste, (Child) Everleigh Rose Celeste, Christopher Thomas Celeste  (wife) Kaila Celeste, (Child) Axel Celeste.

Daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Ann Celeste-Cobleigh and Steven George Cobleigh, their child, Nicholas Christopher Cobleigh, (Children) Addisyn Avery Cobleigh, Rowan Jacob Cobleigh (deceased) and River Rose Cobleigh

Daughter, Tracey Celeste – No children but lots of Fur Babies (cats, dogs and birds)

Barbara's  Favorite Saying, “There is a time to close a chapter, and a time to open a chapter of your life."

She loved her time and memories of living in Maine on Thompson Lake.  They had many fun years opening their restaurant, “Celeste Italian Cuisine” in South Paris, Maine, and spending time on the lake and walking through the Pine Forest.  She especially loved picking apples near her house, wild strawberries and wild blueberries, to make the most amazing jams and jelly. 

When Barbara and Joe semi-retired, they moved to Florida and loved spending time with new friends and being able to enjoy the beautiful beaches.  She loved when her children and grandchildren were visiting so she could take them to the beaches to search for shark teeth and shells. She especially loved going “Junking” in which she would search Antique Shops, Yard Sales, and Thrift Stores for the perfect Treasures.  She especially loved blue and green glassware that she collected.

Barbara was raised by her grandmother in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Luise Giordano, who arrived into the US from Naples, Italy in the early 1900’s.   She was raised VERY Italian and embraced this heritage. Her Father was Anthony Schaiffo. He passed away when Barbara was pregnant with her son, Anthony.  She would tell her children stories of his snow white hair (that turned 100% white in his 20’s) and pale blue eyes.  She loved her father very much.

Barbara and Joe met randomly on Revere Beach when she was in her teens.  Joe was cruising the strip with his uncle, Freddie Celeste in a shiny convertible with the top down.  Barbara and her Girl Friend jumped in the back of the convertible with these 2 handsome men, and they fell in love.  They have been inseparable since the day they met and were seldom apart through their 69 years of marriage.

Barbara also loved to move, with close to 20 moves in her lifetime .  She loved the excitement of picking up, moving to a new house, town or state.  Once, when she lived in a condo complex in Massachusetts, she moved to 3 different units in the same complex just because she loved moving.  She would call herself a vagabond at heart.    Even over the past few years, well into her 80’s, she would beg Joe to move again.

She loved her “JoeJoe’s” cooking and especially enjoyed having “Macaroni and Gravy” he made for her every Sunday with a glass of Fortissimo Wine.    

The thing Barbara loved most was being with her family. She felt the most complete when her children, grandchild, and great grandchildren were with her.  She left a big mark on their lives and will be forever remembered by her big smile, open heart, and big hugs.

In lieu of Flowers, please make donations to St Jude or Hospice in memory of Barbara Ann Celeste.

Online condolences may be made at www.hillsidechapelfuneralhome.com

Hillside Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1190 McEver Rd. Gainesville, GA is in charge of arrangements.