Cecilia C. Croul
Cecilia Catharine Croul (nee Schneider) of Huntingdon Valley, PA and longtime resident of Philadelphia passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026 at Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA.
Cecilia was born in Minersville, PA, daughter of Mary and Joseph Schneider, second oldest sister to Mary Schneider, George Schneider, and Catharine Henrich.
Raised in Philadelphia, Cecilia graduated from Frankford High School in 1948 and married Robert Croul in 1950. Together they raised their four children: Ronald Croul, Cathy Githens, Barbara Kulpa (Matthew) and Carolyn Merrick (Tolly). They were blessed with six grandchildren: Matthew (Betsy), Audrey (Justin), David (Megan), Wesley, Luke (Christine), and William, and five great grandchildren: Charlotte, Rose, James, Noah, and Millie Cecilia.
Cecilia will be remembered by all who knew her as a caring and endlessly creative individual who opened her heart to all in her company. She expertly sewed doll and dance costumes for the neighborhood children, and crafted the most delicious, beautifully decorated cakes for all occasions. Throughout her entire life, Cecilia helped anyone she knew with meals, visits, caring for those who were ailing, assisting others in any way she could. She made countless, long-lasting friends along the way, including Jean Hawkins, her childhood pen pal whom she and her husband visited in England 60 years later. In the states, she shared a treasured friendship with her
childhood friend, Bunny Willing-Berk. Well into her nineties, Cecilia was still the helper, looking out for all her fellow friends at Redeemer Village then at St. Joseph’s Manor where she spent the last years of her life, checking in each morning with each resident. Cecilia was beloved
by the staff there. Now reunited with her loved ones in Heaven, Cecilia leaves behind a beautiful legacy to all those privileged to be in her company.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Saint Hilary School, 920
Susquehanna Road, Rydal, Pa. 19046 or a charity of your choice.
Family and Friends are invited to Cecilia’s Life Celebration on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 9:00
am to 10:00 am. Her funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 am. Services will be held at Saint Joseph Manor Chapel, 1616 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, PA. Internment will follow at Saint Dominic’s Cemetery.
I had the privilege of caring for Cecilia as her nurse for the past two years. She was a truly wonderful person with a vibrant personality who always gave her best. Cecilia was kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others. She touched the lives of everyone around her with her generosity, warmth, and positive spirit. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Mrs. Croul brought so much beauty and sweetness into the world. Growing up, I watched in amazement as she carefully sewed sequins onto dancers’ costumes, decorated her much-sought-after cakes, or shared a laugh over a cup of tea. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcomed and special. Her 96 years were a magnificent blessing, and her beautiful spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren. Memories of Mrs. Croul will always hold a cherished place in my heart.
Ceil and I met at the aquatic club while taking water classes. She was friendly and had an outstanding memory. We enjoyed interesting conversations and became friends despite our 30 year age difference. The pool closed due to a fire, but we continued to see each other for lunch, pedicures, or home visits. Before the Home, we spoke frequently on the phone even when she only called me by accident. She always inquired about my husband and my family. She sent me sweet homemade cards. Had Barbara deliver a musical bear to me when I was recuperating from surgery. Of course added the Ceil touch by putting a bandaid on the bear's knee to match me. Ceil was sweet, thoughtful, generous, and super creative. It amazed me that she was also current at her age, like being on FB. Loved her dearly as a friend and mother like figure. She will be deeply missed, but always have a place in my heart. RIP
Ceil and I met at the aquatic club while taking water classes. She was friendly and had an outstanding memory. We enjoyed interesting conversations and became friends despite our 30 year age difference. The pool closed due to a fire, but we continued to see each other for lunch, pedicures, or home visits. Before the Home, we spoke frequently on the phone even when she only called me by accident. She always inquired about my husband and my family. She sent me sweet homemade cards. Had Barbara deliver a musical bear to me when I was recuperating from surgery. Of course added the Ceil touch by putting a bandaid on the bear’s knee to match me. Ceil was sweet, thoughtful, generous, and super creative. It amazed me that she was also current at her age, like being on FB. Loved her dearly as a friend and mother like figure. She will be deeply missed, but always have a place in my heart. RIP
Mrs. Croul brought so much beauty and sweetness into the world. Growing up, I watched in amazement as she carefully sewed sequins onto dancers’ costumes, decorated her much-sought-after cakes, or shared a laugh over a cup of tea. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcomed and special. Her 96 years were a magnificent blessing, and her beautiful spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren. Memories of Mrs. Croul will always hold a cherished place in my heart.
I had the privilege of caring for Cecilia as her nurse for the past two years. She was a truly wonderful person with a vibrant personality who always gave her best. Cecilia was kind, compassionate, and always willing to help others. She touched the lives of everyone around her with her generosity, warmth, and positive spirit. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.