In Celebration of
Celicia Vane Plesse (née Williams)
June 10, 1939 - February 17, 2026
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, embraced by the love of her family and friends and surrounded by the exceptional care of the dedicated staff at The Dorothy Ley Hospice.
Born in Cape Town to Alice Violet Williams (née Martin) and Thomas Palmer Williams, Vane’s early life in South Africa shaped the resilience, independence, and quiet strength that would characterize her throughout her years. She was sister to Renee, Vivian, and Owen and half-sister to Stanley. These formative experiences instilled in her a deep sense of self-reliance and compassion that she carried with her when she later made Canada her home.
In 1967, Vane embarked on a new chapter when she immigrated to Canada. Shortly thereafter, she married and began building a rich and meaningful life grounded in family, service, and community. In 1968, she joined the Toronto District School Board, beginning a distinguished 30-year teaching career that would leave an indelible mark on thousands of students. At Gracefield Public School and Topcliff Public School, Vane was more than an educator - she was a mentor, a steady presence, and a source of encouragement and inspiration. Her classroom and her library were places of both structure and compassion, where young minds were nurtured and confidence was built. The impact of her dedication continues to resonate in the lives of the many students she guided.
Vane was predeceased by her beloved husband, Siegfried Fritz Plesse of Berlin, Germany. She was a proud and devoted mother to Carmen Duffy (Paul) and an adoring grandmother to Cameron and Cole, in whom she found immeasurable joy. She was also a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews in South Africa, Germany, and the United States - Colin, Wendy, Ryan, Karen, Thomas, Olaf, and Maria - maintaining connections across continents.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vane embraced life with curiosity and grace. She was an avid world traveller whose journeys reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for diverse cultures. A devoted reader and passionate gardener, she found beauty in both literature and nature, cultivating vibrant gardens that mirrored her attentive and patient nature.
In her final years, Vane faced a five-year battle with lung cancer with unwavering courage and steadfast faith. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she met each day with dignity, gratitude, and quiet strength.
Vane Plesse will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her intelligence, grace, devotion to family, and lifelong commitment to education. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped and in the enduring love of her family.
A private Funeral Service for family will be held at Riverside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vane’s memory may be made to The Dorothy Ley Hospice and the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation.
Born in Cape Town to Alice Violet Williams (née Martin) and Thomas Palmer Williams, Vane’s early life in South Africa shaped the resilience, independence, and quiet strength that would characterize her throughout her years. She was sister to Renee, Vivian, and Owen and half-sister to Stanley. These formative experiences instilled in her a deep sense of self-reliance and compassion that she carried with her when she later made Canada her home.
In 1967, Vane embarked on a new chapter when she immigrated to Canada. Shortly thereafter, she married and began building a rich and meaningful life grounded in family, service, and community. In 1968, she joined the Toronto District School Board, beginning a distinguished 30-year teaching career that would leave an indelible mark on thousands of students. At Gracefield Public School and Topcliff Public School, Vane was more than an educator - she was a mentor, a steady presence, and a source of encouragement and inspiration. Her classroom and her library were places of both structure and compassion, where young minds were nurtured and confidence was built. The impact of her dedication continues to resonate in the lives of the many students she guided.
Vane was predeceased by her beloved husband, Siegfried Fritz Plesse of Berlin, Germany. She was a proud and devoted mother to Carmen Duffy (Paul) and an adoring grandmother to Cameron and Cole, in whom she found immeasurable joy. She was also a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews in South Africa, Germany, and the United States - Colin, Wendy, Ryan, Karen, Thomas, Olaf, and Maria - maintaining connections across continents.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Vane embraced life with curiosity and grace. She was an avid world traveller whose journeys reflected her adventurous spirit and appreciation for diverse cultures. A devoted reader and passionate gardener, she found beauty in both literature and nature, cultivating vibrant gardens that mirrored her attentive and patient nature.
In her final years, Vane faced a five-year battle with lung cancer with unwavering courage and steadfast faith. Her resilience was an inspiration to all who knew her, and she met each day with dignity, gratitude, and quiet strength.
Vane Plesse will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her intelligence, grace, devotion to family, and lifelong commitment to education. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped and in the enduring love of her family.
A private Funeral Service for family will be held at Riverside Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vane’s memory may be made to The Dorothy Ley Hospice and the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation.