Cecile Rachel Stern

Cecile Rachel Stern passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 84.

She was the loyal and devoted wife of 64 years to her beloved Leonard and an incredible mother and mother-in-law to Michael (Paula), Lynne (Greg), Seth, and the late Richard Stern. By far, the lights of her life were her four amazing grandchildren, Joseph, Isabella, Lauren, and Ethan, whom she admired and to whom she offered her unconditional love.

Originally from Astoria, Queens, Ceil was part of a tightly knit family and remained in close touch with her brother, cousins, and nieces and nephews all of her life. The values she learned during her rich upbringing with her loving parents, Phyllis and Harvey, led her to a fulfilling and meaningful life, during which she raised a family, obtained a graduate degree, ran a successful business, and worked at many responsible positions in the health care field.

Ceil was also a true friend to so many and, wherever she went, she became an understanding and trusted confidante. She never missed a chance to say something hilarious and make light of even worrisome situations. Most of all, she created a home where, again and again, people gathered and celebrated and ate her delicious homemade cookies and cake, which, especially her rugelach, were the best in the world.

Ceil was strong in the face of life’s many challenges. She loved her family and friends and was loved in return. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to New Jersey’s Highland Park Conservative Temple, hpct-cae.org; Temple Israel, 203 W Oak Avenue, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; The Cancer Foundation, donate.cancer.org; or The Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401.

A funeral service led by Rabbi Levi Klein will be held at Temple Israel, 203 W Oak Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401, on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at Temple of Israel Cemetery, Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401. An evening shiva service will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the home of Michael and Paula Stern, 3612 Ontario Cv. Jonesboro, AR 72404.