Cecilia Marie (Rovella) Short, “Cec” as she was referred to by family and friends, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, in Federal Way, Washington, with family by her side. She was born in Aberdeen, Washington to Michele and Rosaria (Cundari) Rovella.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, graduated from Weatherwax High School and Warner’s Beauty School. Shortly after graduation she moved to Seattle and worked as a retail clerk.
During WW II she married Ray A. Williams (1941) moved to the East coast, returning to the West coast, to Astoria, Oregon and lived there for several years while her husband was out to sea. They were divorced shortly thereafter.
She married Ben F. Osborn in 1947. They divorced. She moved back to Grays Harbor and went to work for Boeing until it closed, followed by five years at the Grays Harbor Chair Co.
She married Daniel Short, (1955) and together they operated the Spotlight Tavern for 22 years. Dan worked for Johnson Ford selling cars. He died in 1978.
She went to work for Grays Harbor Veneer Co., retiring in 1987.
Cec enjoyed traveling, making several trips to Hawaii, visiting all the Islands. She cruised the Inland Passage to Alaska and enjoyed motoring to San Francisco with friends.
She was an avid sports enthusiast, belonging to a Hoquiam Bowling League, watching the Mariners, Seahawks and college games. She loved working in her yard and planting flowers. Most of all she took great pride and joy in cooking and baking for her family and friends.
She was active in Our Lady of Good Help Altar Society, Ladies Eagles Aux. No. 24, AARP, REAC and St. Anthony’s Guild. She volunteered at Grays Harbor Community Hospital – East Campus, Feed the Hungry and all her class reunions.
She is survived by her three sons: James R. (Marilynn Nelson) Short of Federal Way, Fred M. Short of Hoquiam, Dan W. Short of Tumwater; six grandsons: James D. (Jessica) Short, Michael B. (Jeanette) Short, David S. (Brigitta) Short, Jason M. Short, Ryan P. (Serena) Short and Austin J. Short; six great-grandchildren: Isabella (Bella) Lorynn Short, Zoe Rose Short, Nico Rovella Short, Ryder Patrick Short, Walker Michael Short and Celena Short-Nemes, her older sister Linda West of Aberdeen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers: Dundee, Sibbie 1 and Sibbie 2; three sisters: Theresa, Clarinda and Aurelia, a half-sister Ester DePaoli and daughter-in-law Kathy Short.
Recitation of the Rosary will start at 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Church in Hoquiam, followed by Mass at 2. Private interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Cecilia’s family would like it to be known that she passed away peacefully in her sleep, neither COVID or any of its variants, were a contributing factor.
She was an amazing 102!
Arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Please take a moment to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
