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“I was shocked to learn of Celeste's passing... Although I met her only fairly recently, working with her on decorating EMH for the Christmas holidays...Read More »
1 of 41 | Posted by: Lucy Jara - Amherst, OH

“Hearing of Celeste's passing was such a shock, and brought home how precious life is. I know Celeste is with the Angels. She was a friend in Jr. high...Read More »
2 of 41 | Posted by: Karen Armstrong nee Wallace - FL

“Celeste was a very caring and dedicated individual, I could always count on her for a great conversation and she truely inspired me. She worked...Read More »
3 of 41 | Posted by: Denise Patchen/Teleflora - OH

“Dear John and family members, We are so surprised and sadden by the passing of Celeste. We have know her since she attended school in Lorain. All...Read More »
4 of 41 | Posted by: Debborah and Carrie Wallace - OH

“Dear John, Marie and Jim, I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act,...Read More »
5 of 41 | Posted by: Marc Goohs

“Dear Marie, John and Jim, WE can't tell you how heart broken we are about Celeste. She was one special lady. She always set me on the right track....Read More »
6 of 41 | Posted by: Elizabeth Barnicle - Lorain, OH

“Dear John, Marie (Cumadie), and Jim and family...our deepest sympathy to all of you. I know she is in heaven, she has to be...such a wonderful lady....Read More »
7 of 41 | Posted by: Dennis and Cathy DeAngelis - OH

“Please accept my condolences for your loss. ”
8 of 41 | Posted by: Kathy Greco - Dublin, OH

“To John Kelley and Bonaminio Family, We send our sincere condolences and prays to you. Having had the pleasure of knowing Celeste from Jr. High...Read More »
9 of 41 | Posted by: Larry and Anne Blackman - NV

“Dear John, I am so sorry that I could barely talk to you, you and Celest always meant so much to me and I just can't tell you how sad her passing was...Read More »
10 of 41 | Posted by: Bonnie Shreve - Elyria, OH

“One of my favorite memories of Celeste was when we were having dinner with her and John at their home. Celeste made a home made Cheesecake that...Read More »
11 of 41 | Posted by: SANDI CRNOLATAS CROSS - ELYRIA, OH

“Dear Marie and family. We extend our deepest sympathy to you on the lose of your daughter. Know that our prayers and thoughts our with you...Read More »
12 of 41 | Posted by: Elizabeth Barnicle on behalf of the CosmopolitanClub - OH

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Celestes passing. The memories of sleepovers, sleding, Mrs. Bonaminio drying our gloves out in the oven...Read More »
13 of 41 | Posted by: Sharon Costantino - Amherst, OH

“My deepest sympathy to your family. All of my memories of Celeste are wonderful but most of all I remember when we were in High School and I would be...Read More »
14 of 41 | Posted by: Cheryl Blackman - Evanston, IL

“To the Bonaminio & Kelley families, We were sadden to hear of the passing of Celeste. We pray that the Lord will give you the strength that you need...Read More »
15 of 41 | Posted by: Georgia Smith - Lorain, OH

“The Pastor, Deacons, Officers and members of Friendship Baptist Church would like to extend to you Mrs. Marie Bonaminio and family our deepest...Read More »
16 of 41 | Posted by: Georgia Smith (Friendship Baptist Church) - OH

“Dear John and Bonaminio Family You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness, may God provide you with the strength required...Read More »
17 of 41 | Posted by: Gerry & Myra Tracey - Friends

“John, Marie, Jim and Family, My heartfelt condolences to you at this time. May God comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. Celeste...Read More »
18 of 41 | Posted by: Elaine Rush Trumble - Acworth, GA

“I'll never forget comming to the Bonamini's florist and green house and talling a friendly conversation with celeste. She always wore a smile! Her...Read More »
19 of 41 | Posted by: Alyssia Jones - Lorain, OH

“celeste was very special to me~ i will never stop hearing her call me "deedee mama" an "mo~mo"~ i will really miss her an never ever forget her. she...Read More »
20 of 41 | Posted by: brandi "dee dee" freeman - lorain, OH

“Celeste will always be remebered for her wonderful and giving personality , she really cared about people ! We will miss you but , i believe that you...Read More »
21 of 41 | Posted by: Beatrice DiDonato Lilly - OH

“Dear Jim, Marie and John: Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Kathy Ritenaur Kleinman ”
22 of 41 | Posted by: Kathy Ritenaur Kleinman - Elyria, OH

“Dear Marie, Jim, and John: Please know that our hearts go out to all of you in this time of sadness. We loved going to the Flower Shop Art Show...Read More »
23 of 41 | Posted by: Notms Abdallah and Angelo DiLauro - OH

“Celeste, my gumba, warmed our hearts and left us with a mountain of happy memories. Each trip to Ohio was a new adventure when we spent time with...Read More »
24 of 41 | Posted by: Michaelene Kelley - Brimfield, MA

“With sincere thoughts of knowing your great loss of a beloved daughter/sister and wife can only be soothed by time and much prayer (strengthen);...Read More »
25 of 41 | Posted by: Doris Winter - Wakeman, OH

“CELESTE CREATIVE ENERGETIC LOVING ENTERTAINING SINCERE THOUGHTFUL EXTRAORDINARY ...Read More »
26 of 41 | Posted by: Darlene Werner - Vermilion, OH

“I will miss you Celeste, as a child I was always so excited for the weekend when mom and dad would say we were going to John & Celestes', you would...Read More »
27 of 41 | Posted by: Lynnea Baker - Elyria, OH

“I only knew Celeste from the few art shows I did at her shop, but she really struck me as a very kind confident person. I appreciated so much her...Read More »
28 of 41 | Posted by: Roberta McCombs - Amherst, OH

“SO SORRY JOHN TO HEAR ABOUT CELESTE, I KNOW SHE WAS A GREAT WOMAN AND WIFE, AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED. I KNOW ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE'VE SEEN EACH...Read More »
29 of 41 | Posted by: BOB AND BEV SMALLEY - GRAFTON, OH

“My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I remember Celeste being there for me when my brother Robert Calloway passed away in 2001. So...Read More »
30 of 41 | Posted by: Roberta (CALLOWAY) Bennett - OH

“We will miss Celeste so very very much. Our family get togethers will not be the same without her sweet presence. We love all of you and are praying...Read More »
31 of 41 | Posted by: Bill and Bonnie Sturgill - OH

“So sorry for your loss, Celeste was always smiling and great to do business with. Our deepest sympathy. Steve and Pam Novak ”
32 of 41 | Posted by: Steve and Pam Novak - Rochester , OH

“I will always remember Celeste's wonderful smile and the warmth she exuded. I will forever keep her in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest...Read More »
33 of 41 | Posted by: Ray Kelley - North Augusta , SC

“To the Bonaminio Family, My prayers and deepest sympathy in the loss of Celeste. I remember all of you fondly in talking to you from The Morning...Read More »
34 of 41 | Posted by: Judith Gerber (Brookman) Formerly of the Morning Journal Lorain - OH

“Dear John,Marie and Jim Celeste was truly a wonderful child of God.What a Blessing she was to know.She is now working her magic in Heaven for our...Read More »
35 of 41 | Posted by: Lynda and Greg Reiter - lorain, OH

“I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. CAROLE WESTERVELT AND THE STAFF AT LARRY AND MARY'S ”
36 of 41 | Posted by: CAROLE WESTERVELT - ELYRIA, OH

“We miss you deeply, and will never forget you. Your smile and great laughter will remain in our hearts forever. Now when I see a beautiful sunset or...Read More »
37 of 41 | Posted by: Dennis and Denise Crnolatas - FL

“My prayers go out to Celeste & Family. Best regards, Gary ”
38 of 41 | Posted by: Gary A Krause - Lorain, OH

“Marie, Jim and John ...Read More »
39 of 41 | Posted by: Joe and Jaye Campana - Lorain, OH

“Our deepest sympathy to Celeste's family. She was gracious and a joy to encounter on a personal and a business level. We admired her artistic ...Read More »
40 of 41 | Posted by: Elmer & Nancy Meyers - Lorain , OH

“Dear Marie, Jim and John, We are so very sorry for your loss. Celeste will be greatly missed and was truly loved by many. Please know our prayers...Read More »
41 of 41 | Posted by: Debra Campana - Lorain, OH


Love Emblem

Celeste Kelley (nee Bonaminio), 56, of Vermilion, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2011, at her residence while under the care of Stein Hospice and her husband John.

Born March 9, 1955 in Lorain, Celeste graduated from Lorain Admiral King in 1973. In 1994 she moved to Vermilion into a house that her and her husband John built by hand.

Celeste, the co-owner and operator of Bonaminio's Lorain Flower Shop and Greenhouse, worked side by side with her mother, Marie Bonaminio, as the head designer for 35 years. She was exceptionally knowledgeable in wholesale and retail sales. For the past 7 years, she was the director of the annual art show and open house at the flower shop. Celeste had a passion for arts and crafts, having worked with leather, stain glass and jewelry, creating beautiful pieces that were represented in the flower shop. Besides painting, she excelled in many other diverse artistic endeavors. She was always concerned with customer satisfaction,
and constantly applied vigilant attention to every aspect of her job that created one of the most successful flower shops around.

When Celeste wasn't working at the flower shop; she enjoyed relaxing by traveling, shopping and visiting casinos.

A truly unique individual, Celeste was a very loving, sweet, caring, giving, and gentle person.

Surviving is her loving husband of 28 years, John; her mother, Marie Bonaminio (nee Gloffry) of Lorain; a brother, James "Jim" (Joan) Bonaminio of Fairfield, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Her father, Clemente Bonaminio, preceded her in death in 1994.

The family will receive friends at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, Amherst, on Monday, October 17, 2011, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral mass will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH). Rev. Fr. Craig Hovanec, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.