Cleo was born June 5, 1924 in Wilkesboro, N.C. to Mamie Loggins. At four years old she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Ethel and Hilary Sheets.
In the late 1920s her family relocated to Lancaster, PA. She graduated from Quarryville High in 1941.
In 1948 she graduated from Millersville University with a degree in library science. It was at college where she met the love of her life, Lewis Capaldi. They were married June 17, 1950 in Stowe, PA and were married for 52 years until his passing.
It was her gift of teaching and love of reading that gave her great fulfillment and enriched her life. With her husband Lew's frequent job transfers she always embraced change with the opportunity to expand her knowledge to all grade levels.
She held teaching positions in Clementon, N.J., Willow Grove,PA, Toms River, NJ.; Canton, Wheeling, WV, and Jersey Shore. where she retired in 1990.
Always finding a kind, positive word for all she knew made her a joy to be with. The wisdom she shared, the stories she told, and the mannerisms and characteristics that were uniquely hers, gives all of those who knew and loved her wonderful memories.
She will always be remembered for her warm and friendly conversation. During her home-bound days she kept a positive, supportive and uplifting attitude. Her keen mind, inquisitive nature and sense of humor stayed with her throughout her 91 years of life.
In addition to her husband Lewis, who predeceased her on January 7, 2003, she was also predeceased by her son Robert on July 29, 1992; son in law Charles Kerrick on June 4, 2014; brothers in law Frances Brower, Joseph Capaldi, Dominic Luciana (Marge); sisters in law Phyllis Swartz and Mildred Bowlin.
Surviving are daughter Mary Powell, whom she resided with, and Mary's family; Mark Kerrick (Jamie) Hampton, Va., Dr. Brent Kerrick (Stacy) and their sons Joseph and Jaxon, Hampton, Va., Shana Kerrick, Trumansburg, N.Y., daughter Barbara Kerrick, North Port, Fla., and her family; Amanda Kerrick and her son Jordan Nelson, North Port, Fla., Dr. Hilary Kerrick (Luis) Spencer, Iowa., Sadie Kerrick and her son Charles Reid Kerrick, North Port, Fla. Son David Capaldi (Dianne) Wildwood Crest, N.J. and their son Chris Capaldi. Sisters Virginia (Van) Wyatt, North Wilkesboro, NC, Wilma (Bill) Coombs, Laurel Springs, NC and a brother George Bowlin, NC, Sister in law Ann Brower, Pottstown, Pa. and a brother in law Sam Swartz, Parkerford, PA. Cleo also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her loyal, devoted and cherished canine companion Jacci Powell. The family wishes to remember close family friends and caregivers Debbie and Sonny Horn, Montoursville, Kim, Tammy, Stacey, Cassandra, Connie, Gretta and Iona for their compassion, care and devotion.
The family would like to thank Guthrie Hospice for all of their help and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution can be made in Cleo's name to the Sayre Public Library, 122 South Elmer Ave., Sayre, Pa., 18840 or Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Rd., Towanda, Pa., 18848.
A celebration of life will be held for Cleo at a later date, as spring nears.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, Sayre, PA.