Cecelia "Cookie" Papaleo

Cecelia “Cookie” Papaleo, age 84, of Philadelphia, passed away on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 3, 1941, she spent her entire life in the city she loved. She grew up at 5th and Girard, later moving to Kensington where she raised her sons, John and Edgar, before settling in Frankford.

Strongly independent, Cecelia worked for many years as a waitress in Philadelphia diners and restaurants, most notably at Ishkabibble’s, Midtown Continental, and Midtown II. She was known throughout her neighborhoods as the mom who cared for everyone around her. In her free time she enjoyed playing her favorite slot machines at casinos, watching crime dramas such as Law & Order, CSI, and Blue Bloods, and keeping up with new movie releases. She also spent many quiet hours knitting blankets for her grandchildren, treasures that will now be passed down to her great-grandchildren.

Cecelia was one of a kind—authentically herself and never afraid to speak her mind. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her son Edgar Papaleo; cherished grandchildren Justin Papaleo, Kelsea Papaleo, John Papaleo Jr., Michael Flexer, Anthony Flexer, Priscilla Papaleo, Jacob Papaleo, Drake Papaleo, and Miracle Papaleo; and dearest great-grandchildren Kannon Papaleo, Harmony Papaleo, Ava Flexer, Addison Flexer, Alivia Flexer, Nehemiah Flexer, Jesiah Flexer, Isabella Flexer, and John Papaleo III. She was preceded in death by her son John A. Papaleo Sr.