Cecilia (Waibler) Held

Cecilia was born in Bönnigheim, Germany. After the war, she met her Polish husband, Tadeusz “Ted.” They married in Munich, and the two began building a life together. In 1949, they immigrated to South Bend, Indiana, sponsored by Ted’s uncle and a Catholic refugee organization. Soon after, they welcomed their son Frank, followed a short while later by their daughter Patricia. Years later, they were surprised and delighted to welcome their youngest son, Scott.

Cecilia devoted herself to caring for her children and creating a warm home, often filling it with delicious desserts for afternoon coffee hour. Once “Scotty” was in school, she began working part-time alongside her husband as a bookkeeper at The Western State Bank.

She found joy in the simple, beautiful things—feeding her birds, gardening, and growing flowers that made her home lovely inside and out. She especially enjoyed summers in Union Pier on Lake Michigan, visiting her brother and mom in beautiful British Columbia, Canada and, later, looked forward to spending a few weeks each spring in Phoenix, Arizona.

Holidays were always a happy time in Cecilia’s home, marked by plentiful, wonderful food and family gathered across generations—down to the great-great-grandchildren. Over the years, she made dear friends through the Zion Community Church.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; her son, Frank Held (Frances); and her son-in-law, Dave Cossman.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Cossman and Scott Held (Richard King); grandchildren, Todd Cossman (Margie), Rachel Potts (Thomas), and Steve Held (Anne); great-grandchildren, Kayla McCoy (Craig), Alexis Littlepage (Phoenix), Clayton Held, Kennedie Warren (Xavier), Erica Cossman, and Jodi Cossman; and great-great-grandchildren, Delaney Warren and Sophia McCoy.

The family will be celebrating her life at a future date. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. We welcome donations to the Zion Community Church in Cecilia Held’s name: https://www.zionsb.org/