It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mildred Joan Celoni, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, who went home to the Lord on April 6th, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, and her parents, Mary and Earl Garlitz. Known to many as Millie, she was known mostly to our family as Mom, Grammy, and wife. She was 88 years old, born in Fruita, Colorado on 7/3/36.
She graduated in 1954 from Fullerton High school in Buena Park, California and went to University of Berkley in 1954 where she received a scholarship in art. In 1955, she met and married the love of her life, Joseph Peter Celoni. They traveled around the U.S. and Germany while in the military, having four daughters along the way.
Her career in banking started with First Western Bank and ended in 1997 with Bank of the West. While working, and especially after retirement, she was heavily involved in the community as a member of Fairfield Women in Action, the ECW Episcopalian church women’s organization and working at the Solano County public library in the literacy program for Spanish speaking people.
She was always there for her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a volunteer in their classrooms and attended events her grandchildren participated in, as well as being there for birthdays, weddings, and graduations.
She is survived by her sister Norma Tayler, spouse Don Tayler, her brother Lee Garlitz, spouse Peggy Garlitz, four daughters, Susan Celoni and husband Tom Bueadine, Linda Celoni, Jolynn Celoni and Patti Celoni, six grandchildren, Katie Lynn Jones, Jaella Macauley, Sarah Jones, Cindy Braaten, Markie Jones and Joseph Steven and a great-grandmother to Audrey Macauley, Brayden Macauley, Everett Macauley, Graham Macauley, Lemon Braaten, Alaric Braaten and Albion Braaten and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her greatest gifts were love, kindness, generosity, acceptance and selfless work on behalf of others. She always sent cards, called and visited family and friends, even when grieving for the loss of her husband in 1996. She survived two bouts of cancer and showed us how to live positively, with strength and courage. Her influence on her family and everyone she met was indescribable. She will be sorely missed.
Memorials can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America fund. Her service will be June 5th, 2025, 10:00am at Grace Episcopal Church of Fairfield, 1405 Kentucky St., Fairfield, CA 94533. Reception to follow at the Vacaville Opera House.
