Cecilia (Cele) Anne Mereness, 89, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, surrounded by her two daughters and son-in-law.

Born on January 23, 1937, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Winifred and Oscar Holkeboer, Cele carried both steadiness and spark from the very beginning. A graduate of Calvin College with a degree in Elementary Education, she began her life’s work in the classroom, but her calling soon expanded. In roles of leadership — as Executive Director of Calvinettes, Director of Friendship Ministries and Coordinator of Training and Consultancies at CRC Publications — she guided with wisdom and influence, yet always remained approachable, warm and quick to share a smile or words of encouragement. 

In 1959, she married the tall, dark and handsome love of her life, Jud Mereness. Together they created a home that was more than a house — it was a refuge. Singing and music floated through the rooms. Jud’s art filled the walls and later Cele’s sewing handiwork. There were pizza parties on the living room floor, games, arts & crafts, dancing with abandon, tent camping and travel adventures both near and far. Cele had a rare gift for welcoming others. Through her prayers, her attentive listening and her unmistakable zest for life, she made people feel seen, known and loved. 

A longtime member of the Christian Reformed Church — first at Eastern Avenue and later at Church of the Servant — Cele lived her faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, deeply. In her final years at StoryPoint, she found joy in singing in the choir, attending chapel, listening to her talking books and phoning friends and family across the miles. She delighted in every connection — especially with her sister, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, refugee families and dear friends — weaving threads of love that stretched across generations. 

She is survived by her sister Lois (Frank) Van Zanten; her daughters June (Sabine) Guetter and Shelley (John) Marinus; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant son and beloved Jud, her sister Jean Hunt and her brothers David and Robert Holkeboer. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on March 14 at Church of the Servant, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made to With Ministries or to Church of the Servant "in memory of Cele Mereness.” All gifts to COS will support refugees and New American ministries.

Cele is remembered as a prayer warrior, a woman of unwavering faith, deep compassion and generous spirit. She was a steady guide, a gentle encourager and a source of solace to many. Her legacy lives on in the stories told, the hymns sung and the lives forever warmed by her love.