Barbourville, Ky. – Cecilia Contreras, 93, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024. Along with many family members, Cecilia created a community of loving friends, who will dearly miss her.
Cecilia was born February 1, 1931 in Bolbok, Batangas City, Philippines to Maria Rivera Contreras and Estaban Contreras. Cecilia was a person who enjoyed learning and appreciated educational opportunities. Later in Cecilia’s adult life, when time allowed, Cecilia, seized the opportunity to advance her education by earning a Bachelors of Home Economics in 1975 and a Masters of Arts, in Education in 1979, both at Union College.
After assisting her beloved family friends, the Dr.’s Acosta, with the raising of their three daughters: Carol, Abigail, and Katrina, Cecilia worked for many years as a dietary aide at Appalachian Regional Hospital in Barbourville. In her free time, Cecilia enjoyed spending time with her many good friends in the commuity, including The Lay and Dunaway families. Cecilia became extremely close to sisters, Mary Alice (Lay) and Milton (Dunaway). The three became nearly inseparable, for many years. In her free time, Cecilia also very much enjoyed pursuing her beloved hobbies of cooking and sewing and cheering on faithfully, her favorite Kentucky Wildcat Teams.
Family and friends agree how lucky they were to have had Cecilia in their lives, reminiscing that she was serious, yet also funny and energetic in her own way. Those who knew and loved her, treasure the good times, and beautiful memories that Cecilia created with them, during visits, and time spent together. Even during hard times, Cecilia brought joy to those with whom she kept company. A family member shared that “Above all, we will always cherish and remember how thoughtful and caring was Cecilia. She added immensely to everyone’s life she touched.”
Cecilia was pre-deceased by two brothers: Benito Rivera Contreras (Justina) and Gregoria Rivera Contreras (Baldomera) and her dear friends Nancy and Jessie Lay and Dr. Rogelio “Roger” Acosta, MD.
Cecilia is survived by one brother: Apolinario Rivera Contreras (Ofelia); by many loving friends: The Lay and Dunaway families, especially Mary Alice Lay and Milton Dunaway; by the Wagers family: Stella, Ken and Sharon Wagers; by the Acosta family: Corazon Bautista Acosta, MD, Carol Acosta Mihalick (Trent), Abigail Acosta Isaac (Scott) and Katrina Acosta Bohr, MD (Brandon); and by many beloved nieces and nephews in the Philippines and in Canada.
Family, Friends and Community Members are invited to a Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life Ceremony, held at Saint Gregory’s Catholic Church, in Barbourville, on November 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Cecilia Contreras.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Cecilia Contreras.
