- Date Of Birth: January 18, 1976
- Date Of Death: February 16, 2019
- State: New York
This is the story of A Little girl from Metro-Manila in the Philippines by the name of Cecille Acosta Viernes. She was the youngest of her siblings, one of 5 children: brother Robert, sister Sally, brother Bong, sister Zeny and Cece.
Cece arrived here in the U.S. from the Philippines at the age of 16 years old by the determination and hard work of her father, Mardonio Viernes. She was able to attend school at Baruch College, where she earned a degree in Accounting. She used that degree to provide for and give back to her Mother, Filomena and her father, Mardonio. She moved in elevation from Bookkeeping in Key Food, to auditing and finance in places like Anchin, Block & Anchin, to Solomon Smith Barney, to her final position as a hedge fund accountant manager at SS&C Inc, earning the highest pay in her career to date.
Cece was connected and affiliated to many things in her life growing up. She was born and raised catholic until the age of 36, then born again as a Christian believer until the day of her passing. She loved music of all kinds and singing as well. From drama teams in college, to Lutheran choirs, Cece was involved with anything she could fit in with. she even tried out for a part in Miss Saigon, the musical. But she was specifically passionate about friendship and support. Where there was a need, she was there to assist, and meet it. Where there was an opportunity, she wasn’t afraid to kick the door open and walk her 5-foot self through.
Cece was fearless. And she had every right to be. In 2006, she was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer gives little chance of running away from, but at that time, God sent his word and healed her. It was not her time yet. She was on assignment, and she had to survive it. And survive it, she did. Since then, Cece continued to help others, become involved in the welfare of other’s lives, encourage and motivate people with her kind words. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Since the passing of her late brother Robert Viernes, Cece aimed to kick up her service to God. She served in the community breakfast at Gates of live Churches in Brooklyn, and in the Bronx. She made herself available to people of all walks of life.
When Steven Jr., was born, cancer returned to her in the form of breast cancer. She fought it with all of her might, stayed faithful to God and positive and encouraging to others. However, God had a plan. And she knew that she was on borrowed time. On Saturday, February 16, 2019 Cece was called home to be with Jesus. She may have not been willing to leave, but she was confident of where she would go when she left this world.
Now at her passing, her survivors include her husband Steven Wright, and her son, Steven Jr; her parents Filomena and Mardonio Viernes; three siblings, Mardonio Viernes Jr., Zenaida Lorenzo and Rosalie Valdez; Nephews John, Mark (Ivo), and Daniel; Nieces Nina, Ashley, Crissa Ann, Anna Mae, Allyssa, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Cece will always be remembered with amazing memories especially for her kind and humble heart. Cece, will forever live in and affect our hearts.
