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.

140 thoughts

  1. I am so sad to read of Cee’s passing. Her challenge was the first one I encountered on WordPress when I was posting about photography and travel. My blog evolved and I moved away from photography but I never forgot Cee. She will be remembered by thousands of bloggers!

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  2. I didn’t do her challenges, but I was always aware of who Cee was and what she did. She sounded like an extraordinary woman and the world is a much sadder place now. Sorry to have to say good-bye.

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    1. She really was, and Chris and I were only talking yesterday about the impact Cee had on the blogging world. I’m here now in Cee’s house, her spirit lives on

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  3. Cee’s good-bye to us was sad enough, and now this. I am so sorry. Cee was such a presence to so many of us on the blog. She will be greatly missed. My condolences, Chris. A very sad post, but thank you for letting us know, Becky.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Chris much appreciated them. I’m actually writing this from Cee’s chair as I’m staying with Chris this weekend. Her spirit lives on

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. They meant at a lot at the time, and still do. I’m actually sitting in Cee’s chair as I write this, her spirit lives on

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. They meant at a lot at the time, and still do. I’m actually sitting in Cee’s chair as I write this, her spirit lives on

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. They meant at a lot at the time, and still do. I’m actually sitting in Cee’s chair as I write this, her spirit lives on

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  11. Thank you for sharing, Becky and Chris. I love the smile on her face in the last photo. She made a huge contribution to my life. I was honored to have known her and learned so much from her about photography and life. Two days ago, I had a feeling she was gone. I had visited her last post several times, but saw nothing, then I found out this morning. My condolences to Chris especially, and to all of Cee’s family and friends who loved her. She will be missed and already is missed.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. They meant at a lot at the time, and still do. I’m actually sitting in Cee’s chair as I write this, as I’m staying with Chris this weekend. We have been sharing wonderful memories

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      1. Wow, that’s amazing. I can picture her smiling face, with all that beautiful hair sitting in her office chair smiling at me over Zoom. I’m sure you can, too, and this must be really special. Have a wonderful time together. If you are there in June, maybe I’ll see you. 🙂

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    1. She really is missed. Her spirit lives on though. I can feel her presence as I write this, and I’m actually writing it whilst sitting in Cee’s chair. I’m visiting Chris

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    1. As you saw on instagram. I’m currently with Chris. We have been remembering Cee with joy this weekend, and also chatting about everyone’s kind words and support. It means a lot, so thank you

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  14. Thanks (Becky and Chris) for letting us know. This is so sad. Cee touched all of us, taught all of us and reminded all of us of the beauty in the world. I hope time will allow Chris to deal with her grief. Take all the time you need, and know that our thoughts are with you and that you remain in out prayers.

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  16. What a truly wonderful lady she must have been.  So many memories for Chris to treasure.

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  20. I am deeply saddened to hear about Cee’s passing. She was an incredible presence in the blogging community, and her dedication to curating and sharing challenges introduced me to so many wonderful opportunities. Her work inspired and connected so many of us, and I will always be grateful for that.

    My heartfelt condolences to Chris and all her loved ones during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the impact she had on so many lives and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. She will be missed.. Thank you Becky for the update.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words. They meant at a lot at the time, and still do. I’m actually sitting in Cee’s chair as I write this, her spirit lives on

      Liked by 1 person

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