Aurelia "Dolly" A. (Cecere) Burgess

After meticulously rolling thousands of meatballs to fill hundreds of bowls of wedding soup, providing laughter and smiles to friends and family, and never forgetting to reach out on a birthday or anniversary, Aurelia “Dolly” Burgess, age 86, of Canton, passed away Wednesday afternoon surrounded by family. Born in Canton to the late Gaetano and Rose Cecere, she is proceeded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, William Burgess; brother John Constantino (Bea); brother-in-law Judge Anthony Flex; sisters, Connie (Al) Risaliti, Antonette (Dan) DeSantis, and Jennie (Nick) DiFrancesco. A 1955 graduate of Timken Vocational High School, Dolly developed and administered one of the top Catholic preschools in Stark County, often requiring a waiting list because of its popularity. Retiring after more than 35 years, she enjoyed her grandchildren, spending time with friends and family, and an occasional trip to the nearest slot machine. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Terre Burgess of Canton; two grandchildren, Madeline and Aydan Burgess; sister Ethel Flex, and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, November 1, from 5 to 7 pm at the Rossi Family Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 2, at 10:00 am, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, St. Anthony Church with Rev. Fr. Frederick Fritz celebrant. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to Aultman Hospital Fourth Floor South staff and nurses for their compassion and care, as well as the staff and nurses at Bethany long-term skilled care for their personal, loving care of Dolly during the last few months, and to all her wonderful friends who helped to take care of her during her illness.

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