On December 28, 2017,  Celia Elizabeth (Rains) Garceau passed away 12 days after celebrating her 98th birthday. Celia was born on December 16, 1919, to Robert and Anna Rains in Butte, MT. She preferred, however, to call the place of her birth simply "Montana". As a small child she spent many summers visiting her beloved grandparents in Clancy, MT., traveling there by train--not entirely alone--but accompanied by her kitten, which she hid in a basket.

While attending Washington State College, she met Wayne L. Garceau, and a few years later they became reacquainted at a dance for convalescent Air Force personnel at Ft. George Wright. They were married on July 24, 1945, and celebrated 56 years of marriage.

Celia enjoyed a short career as a reporter and later as Society Editor for the Spokane Daily Chronicle. Her love of writing was evident in the precious typewritten notes and letters treasured by the family and friends who received them.

Always the wise and patient wife and partner, Celia supported Wayne as he pursued his dreams as a homebuilder, TimberRib franchisee, and later as the founder of Garceau Steel Structures, now known as Garco. Through the years they loved to dance, play bridge, golf, travel, and spend memorable times with family at Priest Lake, ID.

Celia modeled grace and beauty to all who knew her. The priceless gift she gave to those whose paths intertwined with hers was the cherished example of a woman whose philosophy of life was "to see good things in unexpected places and talents in unexpected people" and having the grace and humility to tell them so (from the 17th Century Nun's Prayer). Until the very end of her life, she never missed an opportunity to express her abiding love and gratitude for each member of her family, and her deep belief that we are all each other's greatest gift.

Celia is survived by her two daughters: Renee Rigsby (Jim), and Denise Garceau; five grandsons: Chad Rigsby (Addy and great-grandchildren: Dan, Zadie and Lila), Christopher Rigsby (Carrie), Mark Rigsby (Ingrid and great-grandchildren: Lucia and Jacob), Andrew Rigsby and Tyler Rigsby.

We would like to express our appreciation to the staff in Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing at the Rockwood Ridge Retirement Center for their compassionate care of Celia.

A private Celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, 1004 E. 8th Ave. Spokane, WA. 99202; or The Hutton Settlement Children's Home, 422 W. Riverside Suite 931, Spokane, WA 99201.

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