Ceil Koplos , April 8, 1921 - July 7, 2013, a resident of Oakland passed away at her home July 7, 2013.

Cecelia Mary Hourmouzus Koplos, was born April 8, 1921 in Sloven PA, daughter of Greek immigrants. The only girl among three brothers, Ceil often referred to herself as a "coal miners daughter." Ceil spent her childhood in Wheeling West Virginia and boasted about her perfect attendance in school in spite of snowy winters. Following high school graduation she attended a local secretarial school and took her first job as secretary to an accountant.

During WWII, Ceil's next-door neighbor, befriended a nice Greek boy while serving in Alaska. He encouraged Jim to write to this cute little Greek girl back home whom he could never date himself, being non-Greek. Thus began a three-year pen-pal courtship between Ceil and Jim. They were married in Dallas, Texas in 1945 and returned to Oakland to build their family and grocery business. Ceil and Jim were blessed with three children, MaryAnn, Theodora and Paul.

For 25 years, Ceil held secretarial positions for the East Bay Regional Parks District. Ceil and Jim were active members of the Oakland Greek Orthodox community. Ceil was a 65 year member of the Daughters of Penelope of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

Ceil is survived by her two daughters Mary Ann Gipson of Danville and Teddi Hamilton of Oakland, son-in-laws Ben Gipson and Kim Hamilton, and their families including five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ceil was predeceased by her husband of 61 years Jim Koplos, her son Paul Koplos, and her three brothers. Ceil "Ya Ya" will be remembered for lavishing her love, modeling both strength and gentleness with great glamour and passion. She will be deeply missed.

Visitation 4:00 PM-6:00 PM with Trisagion Service at 5:30 PM Sunday July 14, 2013.. Funeral services; Monday July 15 at 11:00 AM followed by the Makaria. All services will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Ave, Oakland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ceil's memory can be made to: Ascension Summer Camp, Ascension Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave., Oakland CA 94602.

For further information please call: Harry W. Greer, Funeral Director (FDR-745).