Revered as a pillar of strength, bravery, and faith, passed away peacefully with family on the evening of Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Born on April 19, 1938, Celeste was known for her quiet leadership, nurturing warmth, and undeniable devotion to her faith in Jesus Christ.
Celeste's legacy began when she was awarded a scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Digital Imaging in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1963. While living in Scotland, she was introduced to a fellow countryman, George Ulric Benjamin, whom she eventually married back home in Guyana on December 4, 1965. Celeste was a pioneer who was able to pursue her professional goals while traveling the world raising her family. Stops in Scotland, Zambia, and Nigeria and eventually settled in Toronto, Canada, in 1984.
Among Celeste's most significant accomplishments was raising her three children, whom she held as her pride and joy. She was an x-ray & ultrasound technician for much of her life before retiring. Even throughout her battle with dementia, she never faltered in caring for her loved ones more than she did for herself. Her life served as a testament to her philosophy, "If you're happy, I'm happy." Yet, despite life's challenges, Celeste never wavered in her compassion for others. She continued to support her family and extend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Celeste is joined in rest by her father, Ernest Grandison Seaforth; mother, Enid Agatha Seaforth (née Park); husband, George Ulric Benjamin; brother, Kenneth Seaforth; brother, Mervyn Barrington Seaforth; brother, Keith Everton Seaforth; and niece, Denise Allison McIntosh, along with many other loved ones throughout her life.
Celeste will lovingly be remembered by her beloved children. Ricardo Andre Benjamin and his wife, Diana; her daughter, Dr. Candice Nicola Benjamin; her son, Brian Benjamin; and his wife, La-Toya. Grandchildren, M'Kyah Benjamin, Amira Benjamin, Mary-Elise Benjamin, Naomi Benjamin, and Matïsse Benjamin. Sister, Joyce Glenora McIntosh (née Seaforth) of North York, Ontario, and sister, Jean Bernadette Onagbeboma (née Seaforth) of Etobicoke, Ontario. Nieces and nephews: Mark McIntosh of New York, USA; Samantha McIntosh of Scarborough, Ontario; Kevin Onagbeboma of Toronto, Ontario; Agho Onagbeboma of Toronto, Ontario; Ovie Onagbeboma, of Vaughan, Ontario; and Nigho Onagbeboma of Etobicoke, Ontario. Her extended family spans Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Guyana, including many cousins who held her dear.
Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those she touched. Her presence touched countless lives, and her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and love.
Visitation will be held at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel (2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto) Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10 a.m. with a service in the Chapel to follow at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Glendale Memorial Gardens (1810 Albion Road, Toronto). Repast at 757 Queen Street East at 3 p.m.
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
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Thursday, 17 Apr 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Chapel Service
Turner & Porter - Yorke Chapel
2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M6S 1P4
Get Directions