Cecilia E. Meyers, 83, a woman of indomitable spirit and the biggest heart, passed away in her home on April 7, 2026, in Roscoe, Illinois. Born on June 14, 1942, in Polo, Baliwagan Balamban Cebu, Philippines, daughter to Teofilo and Rufina (Era) Ono. Having been born during the years of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, her early life was undoubtedly shaped by profound challenges and perseverance. Despite these challenges, she emerged with strength and a spirit that would define her throughout her life. It was during a fateful encounter in the Philippines that she met Mark Meyers; their love story began during his deployment aboard an aircraft carrier when they met in the Philippines. For eight months, they seized every opportunity to be together, and although Mark’s return to the United States was meant to be final, Cecilia’s courage and determination led her to join him within six months, leaving behind her homeland to begin a new chapter by his side, and they were married October 28, 1972. Throughout her life in Rockford, Cecilia held various jobs, forging meaningful friendships wherever she worked. Her most notable tenure was at Anderson Packaging, where she dedicated herself over 15 years before retiring. Beloved by her colleagues, her retirement was celebrated with a joyous party, a reflection of the esteem and affection she inspired. Her retirement was not merely a conclusion to a career, but a heartfelt decision to support her family in any capacity possible. Cecilia was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, her joy most complete hosting everyone together at home. Her hands, skilled in the kitchen, crafted phenomenal Filipino dishes that brought flavors of her homeland to every gathering. Beyond cooking, her hobbies were as varied and vibrant as her personality; they included fishing, gambling, mahjong, poker, bingo, and crocheting, all activities that enriched her social life and gave her many moments to be together with people. Above all, her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, inspiring her boundless love. Mark, her husband, reflected on their marriage with admiration, crediting Cecilia for its success through her strong will and progressive outlook. She was a woman ahead of her time, defying cultural expectations and the traditional paths prescribed to her, Cecilia crafted her own course, determined and unyielding in her beliefs. She was a beacon of positivity, frequently smiling and openly welcoming others with warmth and kindness. Her passing marks the conclusion of a life lived with courage, love, and a steadfast commitment to family and friendship. In Rockford and beyond, Cecilia’s legacy endures through the many lives she touched.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her husband of 53 years, Mark; their children Camilo (Virgilia) Dela Pena, Annalisa White, and Elizabeth (Paul) Macaluso; beloved grandchildren Gerald (Elsa) Dela Pena, Roland (Merly) Dela Pena, Carmen Shields, Arnold (Krizza) Dela Pena, Steven (Evalyn) Dela Pena, Kevin (Maricel) Dela Pena, Arnel (Luna) Dela Pena, Gabriel (Katie) White, Ian White, Olivia White, Kendra Meyers, and Owen Davis; 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings Colita (Jonathan) Luste, Antonio (Evelyn) Ono, Mateo Ono, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She will also be missed by people who became family along her life’s journey, people like her godson Brian (Danny) Baker, and adoptive daughter Fay (Gary) Hacker.

She is predeceased by her parents Teofilo and Rufina; her sister Christina Tining (Plutareo) Deator; brothers Dalmacio (Eugenia) Ono, Loenardo (Edna) Ono, and sister-in-law Remegia Ono; great grandchild, Steveva Dela Pena.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL 61111. Cremation rites to follow. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com