Celia Lynne Pardue
1971 - 2026
Celia Lynne Pardue, age 54, was a unique soul in a world of ordinary; one whose life was defined by compassion, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others.
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Celia devoted her professional life to serving as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she cared for the most delicate and vulnerable among us. Her love for children knew no bounds, and her respect for the nursing profession was profound. For Celia, nursing was not simply a job, but a heartfelt vocation. Her gentle touch, skillful care, and instinctive ability to comfort brought hope and healing to countless families during their most challenging times.
Complementing her devotion to caring for others, Celia had a deep appreciation for therapeutic massage and the healing arts. She found both peace and self-discovery through yoga and often encouraged others to explore these practices for their own well-being. Time spent outdoors, whether enjoying the stillness of nature or observing its rhythms, nourished her spirit and reflected on her belief that healing could be found in simplicity and presence. She found deep meaning in life’s quiet moments, often drawn to the healing beauty of the natural world, where she felt most at peace and connected to something greater than herself. Her commitment to holistic health echoed her conviction that body, mind, and spirit are deeply interconnected. Celia cherished the fellowship and wisdom she gained through Bible study, finding comfort, guidance, and inspiration within its teachings and the community it fostered.
Celia’s compassionate heart extended beyond people to all living beings. She shared a special bond with her rescued feline companion, Cinderella, whom she cared for with devotion and tenderness. Cinderella was a constant source of comfort, companionship, and joy, embodying Celia’s lifelong instinct to nurture, protect, and love unconditionally.
Celia was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She was a caring daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, holding close the bonds of her immediate and extended family. Her presence was steadfast, her loyalty unquestioned, and her love enduring. Those who knew her felt her support and devotion woven through every aspect of their lives.
During her final journey, Celia was surrounded by the same compassion she had so freely given throughout her life. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Trellis Supportive Care and their dedicated nurses, along with Shawn Wilson, for the compassionate, attentive, and loving care provided for Celia during her time in hospice. Their kindness and support brought comfort and peace to Celia and her family during an incredibly tender season.
Celia is survived by her father, Ellis Edward Pardue; her mother, Kay Frances Byrd; her brother, Michael Edward Pardue; and her sister, Vanessa (Matt) Pardue Cooke, along with many extended family members who loved her dearly.
A service celebrating Celia’s life will be held on March 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Celia’s honor to the following organizations, which reflect her compassion and commitment to healing:
- Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org
- American Liver Foundation – https://liverfoundation.org
Celia has gracefully released her earthly bounds and embarked on a journey to a brighter, peaceful place. Her spirit remains unbound, her love eternal, and her presence felt in quiet moments—in rustling leaves, gentle sunlight, and cherished memories. Though no longer seen, she continues to walk beside all those who love her, offering comfort and inspiration from beyond.
“Energy is neither created nor destroyed; it only changes form. Love, therefore, continues.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin
I was glad to get to know Celia better over the past few years. She had a real true bright light in her spirit. We had a lot of good long talks and shared prayers together which meant the world to her. She will definitely be missed.
Cynthia Canipe
My family and I remember Celia so fondly from our time at CHOP. Her kindness and support when we were dealing with my daughter’s open heart surgery will never be forgotten. She was an angel on earth for us.
I’m so sorry to learn Celia’s gone. We went to middle school together and every memory I have of her is pure warmth, kindness, and gentleness. Never a harsh word or a bad mood. I’m sorry we lost touch. I’m fortunate to have known her. Rest in peace.
I can honestly say that Celia was my first crush, and I more or less fell in love with her over the course of 8th grade sitting behind her at the back of the class when I was having what was supposed to be a study hall, but spent my time teasing her from behind mostly by flicking little bits of paper in her curly brown hair. Classic behavior for a 13yr old in love. Eighth grade was a tough year for me in many ways, but sitting behind Celia and doing silly things to get her attention was something I always looked forward to and no matter how annoying I was, she would have a smile for me. I was devastated when I asked her to the big Floretta Balin dance and learned one of my classmates had beat me to the punch, but this didn’t stop me from being her friend and I can see in retrospect I fell in love with her kindness and gentle spirit as much as her physical beauty. Regretfully we didn’t really keep in touch after Summit School, but many years later when my wife (at the time) and I were looking for a name for our soon-to-be born daughter, the name Celia somehow was suggested, and my fond memory of Celia Pardue and how much light and joy she had brought to me so many years prior, helped me decide this would be the perfect name for my daughter. A few years ago I became Facebook friends with Celia and I was able to share this with her and she responded with genuine joy and gratitude. I still have our brief exchange and I am extremely grateful for the short but important time she was part of my life, and in a way will always live on through the life of my daughter, another amazing woman the world is lucky to have. Thank you, Celia Pardue. You will be missed, but you will always be with us. Your friend, Rich Ray.
I can’t add much more than what’s already been so eloquently stated. Celia was one of my 5yr. olds back at Vienna Elementary, years and years ago and yes, even then she ‘oozed’ sweetness while at the same time wearing that cute little mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Her nature was to befriend anyone and everyone possible. I was so excited when we finally reconnected. I always told folks that it was like Christmas for me when I would find one of my kids. We had talked about getting together for lunch some time, but unfortunately my mom’s health presented a different path for me for the last number of years as I became her caretaker. She suffered from dementia which certainly took it’s toll on both of us, but Celia was Celia. With all that she had on her on plate, she took time to offer me her kindness, compassion and understanding as was typical for her. My little 5yr. old, she will always be, even as she grew into this beautiful young lady with such a huge heart for everyone. May God allow her soul to rest peacefully and pain free and that her family will know that same peace as they say ‘so long’ to the daughter, the sister and the friend that she was to so many. My most sincere condolences to Ellis, Kay, Michael and Vanessa and let me say “Thank you for sharing your precious little Celia with me so many years ago”.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Celia was a year ahead of me so I don’t remember her well. However her mother Kay had a big impact on me in high school by inviting me to try out for the volleyball team. One of my oldest friends came from those team relationships. Praying for peace for the family 🙏🙏
Fly free beautiful Celia 💖
I met Celia in a Wisdom of the Earth workshop. We had a break and I was drawn to this Hugh oak tree that was just outside.
My youngest son Xavier, had transitioned a year before. I felt his presence in the wind. In the flutter of a hummingbird wings, in the rustle of the leaves 🍃.
As I leaned against the tree, I felt the wind kick up and I knew my son was with me. Celia came over and she introduced herself. She shared her love of this life giving oaktree. As we both leaned against the tree, she too commented about loving the sound of the wind in the leaves.
Her gentle and beautiful spirit impressed on me, that I could share my heart with her, about the passing of my son. I shared how I felt his presence in the wind.
She lit up and yes, absolutely! I shared about my son. She listened with her heart and in that moment, we bonded.
After the workshop we went back to our home towns yet we kept in touch through fb. Celia and her love and compassion remained in my heart always.
Celia I too will feel your presence in the wind and trees.
So sorry to hear of Celia’s passing at such a young age. We were students together at Inner Source Healing Arts School when Celia lived in Pennsylvania. I remember her kindness and her sense of humor. RIP Celia.
Celia was more than a colleague to me..she was a dear friend whose kindness and compassion left a lasting mark on my life. I had the privilege of meeting Celia during our time working together in the NICU at Einstein Montgomery when she lived in Pennsylvania. In such a demanding and emotional environment, her calm presence, gentle spirit, and deep dedication to caring for the tiniest patients and their families always stood out.
Our friendship continued beyond work, and I am so grateful for the support she gave so freely. When I gave birth to my first daughter in November 2025, Celia was still a present and thoughtful friend. As I navigated those early weeks of motherhood, she reached out with encouragement and helpful suggestions to ease my daughter’s colic. That was Celia-always caring, always wanting to help, and always thinking of others.
My daughter, Mia, will forever know about the kind and compassionate woman Celia was and the warmth she shared with our family. Celia had a beautiful way of connecting with people and bringing comfort wherever she went.
One of my favorite memories with her was attending a sound bowl healing class together and going to see the movie Mr. Rogers. Moments like those reflected her gentle nature and the peace and positivity she brought into the lives of those around her.
Before she passed, one of the last things Celia reminded me was that “family is most.” That simple but powerful message perfectly reflected how she lived her life-centered on love, connection, and caring for the people who mattered most.
Celia’s kindness, friendship, and generous heart will never be forgotten. I will always be grateful to have known her, and her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.
Deepest Sympathy,
Dana(Costa), Steve and Mia Cimino
I am so sorry to hear about Celia’s death. Celia took great care of our twin daughters as an overnight nurse in our home. During a difficult and intense period, she was an easygoing presence in our house, a gift so appreciated. Please know how special she was, and how much we valued her.
I was aware that Celia had been challenged medically in the past months, by communicating via facebook. Just in the past few days she was on my mind and heart and then I saw this Obituary.
I knew Celia from the healing community in the Philadelphia, healers cooperative, and spiritual practices of Siddha yoga. She was a lovely person, so caring about others, so invested in sharing her massage and healing skills with others. She incorporated healing intentions, essential oils, and her loving care and kind presence into her sessions, as well as when hanging out with friends. She was a very sensative soul, compassionate and understanding of others. She practiced as RN in trad healthcare for infants, whom she loved, and cared for the kids and their moms. Working in a hospital these days is a very challenging place, love helped carry her through. When she told me she was returning to live nearer to her family in North Carolina, I knew she would be missed by so many people, and it would be such an asset for her sister and parents to have her nearby. Love in her memory and peace to all her family and all friends. She will always be remembered fondly.
I will never forget Celia, her magical soul, or her fierce spirit. She was an enigma of intellect and spirituality , and I will be forever changed because I knew her. My love to her family- Crystal
I knew Celia briefly . But it was an honor to work with her in the nursing field. She was caring and compassion toward her patients. She gave the upmost care to her patients using her extensive medical knowledge . Celia was very brave during her health struggles. I am so grateful that Celia is at peace now and that I had the honor to work with her. I thank the wonderful nurses that cared for her during her journey. Celia ……Enjoy the beautiful and magnificent joy of peace in heaven! May love and peace surround your family.
I’m heartbroken for you with the loss of Celia. Please know I share your grief and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories be blessings that bring comfort.
Celia was my first love after my divorce from a long marriage. She helped me break out of my shell of self doubt and I thank her for that. She actually fell in love with my daughter first lol!
Even though our intimate relationship did not last, we were able to stay close friends and I was happy that my daughter and her were able continue a relationship till the end.
Goodbye my southern Bell