Cecille Ann Stone passed suddenly and unexpectedly on January 7, 2021 at her new home in Wimauma, Florida. 

Cecille was born on November 28, 1950 to the late Lois V. McCalla and Lloyd J. Desvigne of Queens, New York and Tuckerton, New Jersey. She grew up in St. Albans, a rapidly changing suburb in Queens.

At a time when integrated schools were novel, Cecille attended St. Catherine’s of Sienna Elementary School and The Mary Louis Academy. She might have felt isolated but for her strong family support which defined and enriched her childhood. She was always flanked by siblings and cousins: those older and protective, and those younger and adoring. Cecille was particularly inseparable from cousins Vanessa and Denise (when they were not fighting).  Fleeting disagreements aside, the trio was focused on being the smartest, cutest, best dressed, cleverest, strongest, and most fun. Simply put, they were the “best” and the envy of all. At home Cecille was under the constant supervision of her big sister, Allison, but she also took pride and pleasure in looking out for her younger siblings and anyone who might need a hand. This was an early sign of her lifelong magnanimity. In the endless activities that filled her childhood, she was a great athlete and coveted team member and was called on to help dig to China, topple chairs to orchestrate a daredevil leap to safety, or prepare snacks for the home spun garage theater showing of Frankenstein. To relax between adventures, Cecille could be found watching her favorite TV shows like RinTinTin, Flicka, The Rifleman or Bonanza. It was in these times that Cecille developed the quiet confidence and circumspection of one who knew she was Mother’s favorite. 

Cecille graduated from Howard University with a degree in Nutrition Sciences, then returned to Queens where she found her niche directing dietary services. Cecille worked at Jamaica Hospital and then, Coler Chronic Care Facility. While working, she completed a Master of Science (Allied Health Science Administration) at Hunter College. During this time, she met the love of her life, Ronald Stone, through mutual friends. Their romance withstood long distances of his job as production manager of the Washington Post in Washington, DC and her job at Coler in NYC. Cecille and Ronald wed on July 24, 1993 before Cecille moved to Woodbridge, VA. She found a soulmate in her husband, Ronald. Together they built a home on Lake Anna in Spotsylvania, VA; maintained lifelong friendships with their Howard classmates; frequented local restaurants and picture shows; valued and applauded every niece’ or nephew’s accomplishment, and by example, taught everyone in their orbit the value of a perfect union. They were married for nearly thirty years and enjoyed many adventures but especially their stays in Hawaii and New Orleans.

In Virginia, Cecille quickly established her career as Dietary Manager at Sunrise Senior Living Center in Fairfax. She took greatest pride in knowing each client’s preferences, their medical conditions which often placed dietary restrictions, and their families’ wishes. Cecille ensured that every client had tailored dining, especially the most vulnerable. When state auditors appeared, usually unannounced, Cecille was well-poised to make sure every metric for quality performance was met or exceeded. Her staffs were always well-prepared and dedicated, making the audit, a reliably tedious exercise, a proud demonstration of the team’s extraordinary performance and a well-run operation.  At Sunrise, she was also proud to hire students who were able to work part time while completing their studies. Cecille made sure they knew that their success in school was a success for Sunrise. The decision to retire from her workplace, first after marriage, and again in July was difficult as she loved her work and her staffs. She was most appreciative of the lavish retirement celebration in her honor.  She planned to proudly display the many mementos and is likely preparing an almond pound cake to share with her co-workers. These are the fond memories that friends and the extended family will always cherish. 

Cecille navigated her life with unwavering kindness and generosity of spirit. Ronald and Cecille’s Woodbridge home will be best remembered as a gathering place for friends and family. It was there that multiple generations came together to celebrate holidays at their smorgasbord-like dinners, filled with perfectly prepared complex dishes. The multiple main dishes were matched by exquisite pies, cakes, and bourbon-glazed bread pudding-- all  garnished by a variety of fruits and ice-cream. Everyone emerged happier and heavier. Cecille took on the role of protector of her nieces, nephews, and friends who became the beneficiaries of her sage advice, indulgences of presents, and most importantly, her unconditional love and support. She might nudge them with a friendly reminder, “Did you finish your degree?” or, “Do you need anything?”.  The large cash present at any possible excuse was a reminder of her attention and support. Cecille also enjoyed music and live theater. She became a regular at the Kennedy Center, Signature Theater, and Arena Stage. She enjoyed the ocean, the Caribbean, and traveled to Europe to visit her London family and witness their high school and middle school graduations.

Cecille retired in July 2020 and moved to Florida with her husband. 

She is predeceased by her sister, Allison Garcia; brother-in-law, Herbert Nickens, MD; sisters-in law, Vianne McKinney and Cynthia Rhone; and cousin, Desmond Gourdin.  She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Ronald Stone; her aunt, Marilyn Guishard; her siblings, Lloyd Desvigne II (Lavora), Patrice Nickens, MD, Kathleen Desvigne, Michael Desvigne, MD (Cara); brothers-in laws, Lynn Stone (Cordelia), Wesley Stone (Sharon) and Kevin Stone (Rachel); Victor Garcia, MD (Gail);nieces and nephews, Kara, Kristin, Michelle, Lloyd III, Edmond, Caitlin, Chloe, Anthony, Jared, Ryan, Campbell, Miles, Ellis, Finley, Victoria; Leslie, Wesley Jr., Kevin, Jr., Kennedy, Ingar and Keva; cousins, Kingsley, Gregory, Duane, Derek, Dexter, Darren, William, Denise, Vanessa, and Karen; and many more relatives and friends.