Cecilia Kernan Staub

On August 31, 2015, Cecilia (Cele) Kernan Staub passed away in her home at Charlestown Retirement Community.  Her passing was peaceful after a courageous journey with cancer.  Cele celebrated her 94th birthday with her family 4 days before her death.

Born in Baltimore in 1921, she was the daughter of Lilian and James Kernan.  Cele was raised in Irvington and attended St. Joseph’s Monastery and Seton High School.  A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, she worked for several Baltimore department stores designing advertisements and window displays. During World War II, Cele was employed as a draftsperson at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, drawing technical designs for switching towers.

In 1947, Cecilia married the late Charles Joseph (Buck) Staub.  She is survived by their 4 children Toni Staub of Woodstock, Gemma Staub Hoskins of Relay, Maria Staub Goebel and her husband George of Catonsville, and James Joseph Staub of Columbia.  Cecilia also has three grandchildren, Gina Upman Godleski and Kristin Michael Upman of Catonsville, and Chelsea Goebel Madron and her husband Daniel Jay of Hagerstown, as well as three great-grandchildren Charlotte Michael Connelly, Andrew David Godleski and Wyeth Jay Madron.  Cecilia also has three nieces: Judy Becker, Jean Smith and Joyce Seabolt.

In 1960, Cecilia Staub opened the Staub Art Studio in the basement of her home in West Hills, teaching painting and drawing to children and teens from nearby communities.  Her reputation as a stellar art teacher followed her as her business grew to many students in many classes.  When Mrs. Staub moved to Maiden Choice Village in Arbutus, her business followed her.  Daughter Maria and her husband, artist George Goebel, proudly carry on the Staub tradition at their art studio, framing shop and art supply store in Catonsville, Maryland.

Cecilia Staub spent the last 20 years enjoying life to the fullest at Charlestown Retirement Community.  With many old friends and new, her life was rich.  She continued painting, creating a number of beautiful works which she had printed as notecards and prints.  Other interests there included bridge, mahjong, current events, movies, musical events and assisting less able residents with voting at the Charlestown Care Center.

Cecilia Staub has left a legacy of memories for everyone who knew her.  Who will ever forget her answering machine message which said “Hi, I’m not in my treehouse at the moment.  I’m probably out and about having some fun.  Please leave a message and I’ll call you back.”   She will be sorely missed, but her liberal humor, her creativity, and her loving heart will remain with all of us forever.