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Cecilia “Ceil” Dorner Greer, 82, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026. She was a woman of deep faith, steadfast devotion to her family, and quiet, generous service to others. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Ceil touched countless lives with her kindness, humility, and grace.
Ceil was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where she spent her childhood and graduated from Notre Dame Academy. In her early twenties, she moved to Plantsville, Connecticut where she met her husband, Richard "Rich" Greer and married in1972. Together Rich and Ceil built a log cabin in Newbury, Vermont where they spent many weekends and summers and bought their first home in Southington, Connecticut. Soon after their daughter, Julie, was born they moved to Columbia, Maryland in 1978. Here is where she raised Julie and their son, David with her beloved husband, Richard.
Before dedicating herself to raising her family, Cecilia worked in clerical and accounting positions. Her greatest calling, however, was caring for those she loved. She was a devoted wife and mother who poured her heart into her family, especially in lovingly raising her son with special needs. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen, heard, and cared for, quietly touching countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering compassion.
A lifelong and devoted Catholic, Cecilia’s faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully served her church community in many ways, including participating in her breakfast group, counting the weekly collection, and volunteering wherever there was a need. She also generously volunteered for many years with a low vision organization, often seeking opportunities to serve others.
Ceil will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and remarkable talents in the kitchen. She was especially known for her wonderful cooking and baking, proudly preserving the cherished Slovak and Hungarian family recipes passed down through generations. She found joy in reading, embroidery, and cross-stitch, often sharing her handmade creations and delicious meals with family, friends, and neighbors.
Above all else,Ceil cherished her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years of marriage, Richard Greer; her daughter, Julie Sleight and son-in-law, Ryan Sleight; her brother, Paul Dorner; and her three beloved grandchildren, Madelyn, Carson, and Sierra, who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her dear son, David Greer; her sisters, Joan Radous and Sharon Shea; and her brothers, Robert Dorner and Gerald “Gerry” Dorner.
Cecilia’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, devoted love, and humble service. She lived each day with grace, strength, and a generous heart, always placing God and family at the center of her life and extending compassion to everyone she met. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle presence will be deeply missed, but the example of her faithful life will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
A mass and memorial service celebrating Cecilia’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church (Wilde Lake Interfaith Center) 10431 Twin Rivers Road; Columbia, Maryland. A reception will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Cecilia’s memory to The ARC of Howard County, honoring her lifelong involvement with individuals with special needs.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Cecilia Dorner Greer, please visit our Tree Store.
Arc of Howard County
11735 Homewood Road, Ellicott City MD 21042
Tel: 1-410-730-0638
Web: http://www.archoward.org