Celeste Judith Ponce , 83, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on 3/12/2024. She was born in Agua Fria, Hidalgo, Mexico on 02/18/1941. She later moved to Matamoros, Mexico, where she helped raise her siblings and worked multiple jobs to help support her family. Later, she moved to Brownsville, TX to pursue a career at a shrimp factory. She later moved to Chicago, IL, where she met her husband and worked for Western Electric phone company and later Brach's candy factory. In 1971, she married Nicolas and later gave birth to their pride and joy, Sylvia. They enjoyed many years in Chicago as a family, then moved to Jacksonville, FL in 1989; where they soon retired. Being a grandmother was the joy of Celeste's life. She took tremendous pride in helping to raise her grandchildren and instilling a strong work ethic in them.

Celeste was a natural nurturer. She loved to garden and had immaculate taste. Effortlessly, she manicured a home and life for herself and her family. If you stepped into her home, she wouldn't rest until she knew that you had a full stomach, a cold drink, a comfortable chair, and a smile. She kept her table covered with lavish meals, surrounded by family, and overflowing with laughter. To know her was to love her, and to love her was to be loved immensely. To her husband, she was a devoted wife. Together, they shared 52 years of wedded bliss and lived a harmonious, happy life. Her absence is a heavy weight on the hearts of her husband and her family. She is and will be missed immeasurably.

Celeste was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by her parents, Isaac & Nicanora Ponce; brothers, Arturo, Esteban, Leopoldo, Jesus, & Leonel. She is survived by her husband, Nicolas Barajas; sister, Claudia (Rodolfo) Melo; daughter, Sylvia (Melvin) Boswell; grandchildren, Steven (Sara) Boswell, Matthew Boswell, & Mariana Boswell; and many cousins, nieces & nephews.

A celebration of her life is planned for 3/23/2024 at Arlington Park Funeral Home at 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Visitation will be held between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Funeral services will be held following the visitation, beginning at 10:00 am. A graveside service will follow.