Celia (“Cece”) Mayne Lynch Van Metre

Celia (“Cece”) Mayne Lynch

Van Metre

Cedar Rapids

Cece Van Metre passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 94 on December 14, 2024. Cece was born to Charles J. Lynch, Jr. and Dorothy Mayne Lynch on May 19, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, Douglas C. Van Metre; both parents; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Ed Beatty; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and David Van Metre.

Cece is survived by her three sons, Douglas (Molly), Craig (Donna), and Kent (Susan); her brother Charles “Jerry” Lynch (Heidi); grandchildren Benjamin (Ashley), Nathan (Holly), Mary, Harriet, Abigail, and Holland; great-grandchildren Harrison, Dalton, Mason, and Adeline; and numerous nieces and nephews; and childhood and lifelong friend, Sue Oglanian. Cece once wrote that “the center of my life is my husband and children”.

Cece graduated from Franklin High School (1948), Coe College (Bachelor of Arts 1952), and the University

of Iowa (Master of Arts in Speech Pathology 1956).

Education, philanthropy, and community service were integral parts of Cece’s life. She served on the Coe College Board of Trustees from 1998 to 2007; was active in Coe’s Alumni Association and served as its national president from 1973 to 1975; and was recipient of Coe’s Distinguished Service Award for Educator and Volunteer in 2012. In 2018, she was awarded Honorary Alumna to Cornell College.

Cece also served on the Board of Directors of Tanager Place (formerly known as The Children’s Home) and the Linn County History Center, active in HACAP and the Cedar Rapids Recreation Center, and was a volunteer teacher at the Jane Boyd Community House, Project Head Start, and Montessori School. She was also a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, the First Congregational Church, Chapter JI of P.E.O., and the Home Garden Club, of which she was a Master Gardener.

Her fondest memories were numerous Christmas Eve parties with close neighbors and friends; the Coe / Cornell football rivalry and pre- and post-game tailgate parties; trips to Europe, especially Ireland; hosting “Grammy Camp” for her grandchildren; family reunions at “440”; and knitting her beloved Christmas Stockings for family and friends.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to all the caregivers at Cottage Grove Place with whom Cece was fortunate to be associated. A private interment will be held in 2025. Memorials may be directed to any of the non-profit organizations listed above, to The Van Metre Family Charitable Foundation, or to the donor’s preferred charity.