In memory of Cee – words and photos by Cee and Chris

Cee quietly left this world on the 3rd of March, a Monday evening. I was privileged to be her soulmate and wife for more than thirty-five years. She taught me so much, including her love of photography, of color and form. She continues to brighten my day even after leaving her body behind.


When Becky was kind enough to post about Cee’s declining health and eventual going into hospice, Cee and I were overwhelmed with the love showered upon her by all of you. I sat beside her hospital bed, reading one, two, sometimes three responses, watching the tears roll down her cheeks. She knew each one of you and could tell me who you were, where you lived, what she enjoyed about your blogs. We could only handle a few at a time because your writings were so sincere. You were her beloved friends when she couldn’t leave the house anymore. You let her live and reach out, touching your lives as hers was being slowly and inexorably drawing smaller and smaller.

The one fear Cee had about her life was that no one would remember her, that she hadn’t made enough difference in this world, in anyone’s life. Yes, she really thought that. She was humble to the end. Your wishes and memories of her were incredible and gave her satisfaction and peace of mind, knowing that she really had touched lives. You gave her the gift of peace. Thank you.

It’s too soon for me to make any decisions about continuing her blog, or about Flower Of The Day (FOTD). Please bear with me in my grief.

Much love, thankfulness and many virtual hugs to all of you.

Chris

Final photo is of Chris, Cee and Chris’s brother Joe a month before Cee died.

Stay who you are. Stay true to yourself. Other people might change around you because you’re dying, but you don’t have to change.

Let the emotions come. They’ll come in waves, but let them come. Try not to be scared, although you will be. That allows for the good memories to come back, too, and that allows you to share with the ones you love and really be there.

Don’t ever be afraid to say I love you. Even if it’s a stranger in the street and your eyes meet, say something. Give them a smile. Let them know you acknowledge them.

Never regret what you’ve done in life. They lead to all things that created who you are.

Cee Neuner 1960-2025, she recorded these words in November 2024

Footnote by Becky – I am honoured to post the above on behalf of Chris, and feel so fortunate to have met Cee and Chris in person last year. A memory I will cherish forever. I also cherish my memories of when I was first inspired by Cee to take part in one of her challenges. It was a flower back in the 2015; and I will never forget the joy a few months later when she first featured one of my Odd Ball contributions on her blog. It felt like I had won gold at the olympics. She was an amazing woman, and I am so lucky we became friends.

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  3. I just found out Cee passed away. I’m sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and all her family. May her soul rest in peace. I’ve always loved flowers but it was because of Cee’s challenge that I began photographing and sharing them. She will be remembered fondly.

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  6. I just found out today about Cee’s death and I am so sorry. Cee meant so much to my blogging journey and I loved her photo challenges. Even more, behind the photographs was a wise and compassionate individual who understood life’s pains and joys. I appreciated her so much. Much love.

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  8. I only found out today that Cee has left us. I was so sad, but of course I new it was inevitable. My condolences to Chris and her family. Thank you for letting us know. Cee will be missed by many of us in the blogging world. She had such a big heart and I still remember my first attempt at posting on CFFC. I was so nervous, it was a big step for me, but she answered in her straightforward, natural way. I used to call her the queen of flowers – and she was! I posted on FOTD all the dahlias from the Holland festival. They were many – but I think she didn’t mind. Warm hugs to you and Chris. ♥♥♥

    She did not have to worry about not being remembered. ♥

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  9. My familiarity with Cee came through Dan Anton’s No Facilities blog. Her clever use of the weekly challenge expressed through wonderful photos was most inspiring. I’m so very sorry to learn of Cee’s passing today. She sounded like one extraordinary human and the world will be a less happy place with her leaving it. Sending my deepest condolences to her partner, Chris, her family and all who knew her. I hope with time happy all the wonderful memories they shared will fill their hearts instead of current sorrows. Sending gentle thoughts of comfort to them all. 💔

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. I’m currently staying with Cee’s wife and we scattered some of her ashes yesterday. Her spirit definitely lives on

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  10. I am so very sorry to know this terrible news. Cee was always so warm and welcoming. I learned a lot from Cee and returning to blogging after a hiatus i was looking forward to reconnecting with her. My sincere condolences. May she rest in peace.

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    1. She was wonderful, and I was honoured to call her my friend. Her wife and I scattered some of her ashes yesterday, and we were recalling her warmth

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  11. Hi, I did not know Cee well but know of her via Dan’s blog at no facilities…I have in the past joined in occasionally and Cee was always welcoming.

    This is a lovely testament to a wonderful woman who did touch many lives.

    Christine I send you all the family love and support I this sad time. 💜💜

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    1. Chris very much values everyone’s kind words. The two of us were discussing some of the amazing responses yesterday when we were scattering some of Cee’s ashes. Her spirit lives on

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    1. She really is, but her spirit lives on. I was with Chris yesterday scattering some of Cee’s ashes, and we knew she was with us

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    1. She really did, and yesterday Chris and I were scattering some of her ashes in some of her favourite flower fields. We could feel her spirit in the beauty

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  15. My heartfelt condolences to Chris and all who loved Cee. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

    Chris, thank you for sharing your reflections and Cee’s own beautiful words—her wisdom and kindness continue to touch lives.

    Becky, I deeply appreciate you for keeping us connected through your updates and for honoring Cee’s memory so gracefully.

    Philo

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    1. Chris much appreciates your kind words and thoughts. I’m staying with Chris this weekend as we’ve been scattering some of Cee’s ashes in two of her favourite flower places

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