Cecelia Elise Dykstra, 27, slipped into eternity on December 17, 2024 at home in North Aurora, Illinois. She entered this life with the sunrise on May 24, 1997 in Aurora, Illinois. Her arrival was eagerly awaited by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, and her big sister, Victoria.
Cecelia, who was affectionately known as C.C., was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Aurora, Illinois where she enjoyed working with the preschool classes at vacation Bible school. She attended Schneider Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and graduated from West Aurora High School in 2015. C.C. loved music and performing; she entertained crowds in Disney World with the Jefferson Show Choir, sang with the school choirs at West and was a cheerleader at both Jefferson and West. After graduation, she attended Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, where she continued with the choir and the cheerleading squad. She also attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa where she sang with the choir and performed with the dance team. C.C. realized her dream of portraying Roxie Hart in her favorite musical, Chicago.
Cecelia began her career as a visual merchandiser and assistant manager in the retail field, where she consistently topped the team in sales. Cecelia was most proud of her work as a certified Reiki master, bringing healing and peace to her clients.
C.C. battled several illnesses growing up. She endured three bone marrow transplants and five surgeries before undergoing an early, experimental procedure that implanted coral in her bone to successfully regenerate her humerus. For ten long years, she experienced vicious bouts of uncontrollable vomiting that lasted for days before finally being diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) at 22. With a proper diagnosis, medication, and treatment, C.C. was making progress with controlling her disease. Her anxiety and depression were side effects of CVS.
Cecelia was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She could not and would not tolerate injustice, intolerance, or unkindness, especially to the defenseless.
Awaiting her arrival in the afterlife were her grandparents, Verland C. and Velda M. Brown, Hio C. Dykstra, and her companions Maxwell, Gunnar, Milo, Butterball, and Panzer. Her grandmother, Robinette Dykstra, followed her passing two weeks later.
She is survived by her parents, David and Valerie Brown Dykstra, of North Aurora, IL, her sister, Victoria (Steven) Haddon, the love of her life, her new niece Maeve Haddon, all of Aurora, IL, her aunts and uncles, Brett (Tracy) Brown of Newark, IL, Brad (Anne) Brown of Lombard, IL, Martha Dykstra of Paw Paw, MI, Rhonda (Michael) Brady of Carpentersville, IL, Sarah Dykstra of Kalamazoo, MI, several cousins, and her emotional support cat, Daisy. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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