Cecelia Mae Heck

With her loving children by her side, Cecelia Mae Heck, age 90, of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026.

Born in Racine on May 29, 1935, Cecelia was the daughter of the late Nick and Teresa (Nee: Franchino) Catrine. A life-long resident of Racine, where she became known for her warm heart, strong work ethic, deep faith, and joyful spirit. She was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School, “Class of 1953” where she also reigned as the first Prom Queen. On April 24, 1954, she married the love of her life, Richard J. Heck Sr., who preceded her in death on August 15, 2015. Together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage, building a family rooted in love, laughter, and tradition.

Along with her husband she co-owned and operated Keystone TV & Appliance as well as was the proprietor of Cecelia’s Catering. Cooking was not simply her profession—it was one of the greatest expressions of her love. She brought people together around the table with homemade meals, Italian specialties, and generous hospitality. Many knew her for her famous meatballs, sausage, beef dishes, and the care she poured into every event she touched. She proudly worked the Roma Lodge Italian Festival in the fried dough booth and St. Rita Catholic Church for many years, where she became especially known for making homemade sausages and meatballs that were loved by so many.

She had a vibrant personality and a gift for making people feel welcome. Cecelia loved playing cards and bridge with the “Beavers”, traveling, entertaining, and spending time with friends and neighbors. Cecelia was a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church, Vittoria Colonna, the Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus, the Wind Point Community Club, and the North Side Businessmen’s Association. Her kindness, humor, generosity, and resilience left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Above all else, Cecelia treasured her family. She is lovingly survived by her children: Richard J. Heck Jr. of Racine; Barbara (David) Schneider of Racine; James (Karen) Heck of Barrington, Illinois; and Sherry Heck of Racine; grandchildren, Melissa, Ryan, Angela, Matthew (Jeanette), Teresa (Max), Robert, Nick (Bailey) and Molly (fiance Calvin); 8 great grandchildren: Gabriel, Kaylan, Isabella, Brooklyn, Davion, Ryan Jr., Madeline, Eowyn; 1 great-great granddaughter, Nova; sisters, Ann (Jim) Magestro, Teri (Lee) Nichols; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jane (Tony) Clementi, Connie (Tom) Mussomeli and her brother Anthony Catrine.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Cel’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Rita Catholic Church, 4339 Douglas Ave. A Vittoria Colonna service will take place at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for Visitation on Friday at 9:30 am until time of Mass at the church.

Cecelia will be remembered for her strength, generosity, devotion to family, and the way she made every gathering feel like home. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created the meals she shared, and the love she gave so freely.