Celia Toro

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Celia Toro (née Alvarado) was the oldest of four daughters. In life, her strength helped guide her through many hardships. Dedication to hard work came easy to her, and always remained thus. Her varied gifts were apparent.  Honesty, steadfastness, courage, humility, and strength of character sustained her through the years when, after migrating to America, she had to learn to survive on her own. 

 

There was no journey that Celia wasn’t ready to embark on and no challenge she feared—from either friend nor foe.

 

Often grateful for the kindness of strangers, Celia humbly saw herself in every person, whether rich or poor.  Forever savvy with numbers, she could teach a class on frugality if you let her.  Highly gifted in the kitchen, her fragrant talents there will be most remembered.

 

Celia often combined her love for God with her love for music, and many enjoyed her beautiful singing voice both at church and at home. With a keen sense of fashion, Celia loved to dress up, but never without her signature white shoes!  Celia readily lent her ear to anyone needing someone to talk to and sound words  of advice were quick to follow. She enjoyed keeping up with current events around the world, and she marveled at the simplest of things.  A graduate of Bullard Havens Technical School, she worked as a certified nurse’s aide for many years.  

 

Celia greatly enjoyed her brother-in-law Dario Resto’s sense of humor and her laughter heartily followed his quick wit!  Celia was forever grateful for her dear friend and caregiver of many years Griselda Peralta. 

 

God gifted Celia two children;  her son, Manfred Vives (Leticia) of Ansonia, and her daughter Rita Hassan of Bridgeport.  Three beautiful granddaughters, Sarah Lynn Vives, Rebecca Lynn Vives and Jessica Lynn Vives, as well as two handsome grandsons, Jorge Perez, and Ali Hassan live on to carry her legacy of hard work and humility.  

 

She was lovingly cherished, tirelessly supported, and will be greatly missed by her beloved sisters, Emilia Resto of Hamden, Rita Alvarado, and Maria Eugenia Alvarado of Bridgeport.  She’s also survived by her brother, Jose Rafael Alvarado.  

 

Her beloved niece Priscilla Wentworth (David) of Hamden, and her beloved nephew Ivan Resto of Virginia were truly dear to her heart.

 

Celia was predeceased by her mother, Elvira Alvarado of Bridgeport, and her brother-in-law, Dario Resto of Hamden.  

 

Life is but a fleeting moment and 79 years swept past like the wind.  Celia is remembered as a dear sister, a loyal friend, and a beloved grandmother who spent her final days reflecting on life, and happily surrounded by her family and friends.  In loving memory, and in warm gratitude, we wish her an eternal rest in peace.