Cecelia A. Delaney, 88, of Austin died Sunday, September 25, 2011 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota after a severe stroke.

Cecelia Anna McGee was born March 8, 1923 on a farm near Elma, Iowa, the oldest daughter of John Sylvester and Mary Ann (Knippling) McGee. She graduated from school in Lourdes, Iowa. In 1943, Cecelia moved to Austin with her friend Betty and began working at the Plant Cafe. While working at the Cafe, she met Charles E. Delaney a North Dakota native whom served in WWII. They were united in marriage on April 30, 1946 in St. Augustine’s Church. Cecelia and Charles raised a family of ten children. They enjoyed bicycling, square dancing, and time spent at the lake fishing and living in their camper.

Cecelia loved spending time with her family and friends, tending her bountiful garden and preserving its harvest, reading, playing cards and games, crossword puzzles, walks, and keeping up with the news.

She was also very active with her church.

Cecelia is survived by sons: Jack (Karen) of Pepperell, MA, Duane (Diane) of Austin, Larry (Rosie) of Fremont, Neb., Tom (Heather) of Woodbury, Tim of North Mankato, and Dave of Austin; daughters: Connie Stegemann of Austin, Donna (Jim) Morgan of Altoona, Wis., and Mary (Todd) Vanek of Eagan; daughter-in-law: Nancy Delaney of Elizabeth, Colo.; eighteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rita Fleming of Stevensville, Mont., and Margie Wetherell of Rock Island, Ill.; brother: Jack McGee of Gilbertville, Iowa.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles in 2002; son: Mark; brothers: Donald, Raymond, Edward, and Gerald; sister: Sally Mirci; and son-in-law: Paul Stegemann.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes officiating. There will be a 4 p.m. CCW rosary and a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call 4-7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.