Cecelia Candace Rice was a Wife, a Mother, and a Grandmother ("Nana"). She was survived by her Husband Nizar Morrar, her five children Antar, Ghada, Atef, Nimeh, and Sarah, her seven grandchildren Mikey, Atef, Liame, Ayden, Aaliyah, Amira, and Mohammad, and five children-in-law Ayoub, Enrique, Juan, Michelle, and Suzy.  You could always tell who knew her from what part of her life by what name they used for her – Candy, Cece, Cecelia, Mom, Nana/Grandma. Born in Chicago, she grew up on Santa Monica beach in L.A. (a California free spirit), lived in New York for several years (3 of which was on a house boat!) before coming back to Chicago to raise a bunch of Irish Palestinian kids on the Southside with love, kindness, and a way of shaping her kids to be and do anything they wanted in life. Most claim title of best cook, but she really was. She made extravagant feasts right before your eyes, often making you wonder how one woman could do it all. She made miracles happen at holidays, with Christmas being an especially magical time of the year. Anyone who knew her could tell you how she made you feel special, like you were the only one like you, and that was because she was the only one like her. A devoted Mother who nurtured her children's individuality, she encouraged Antar's free spirit and love of acting, Ghada's strong will and determination for justice, Atef's ability to believe in family and love, Nimeh's adventurous spirit as a woman and a mother, and Sarah's strong faith and  tremendous gift for cooking - she left a part of herself in all her kids and grandkids. She taught her kids and grandkids about the world, instilling a sense of love, gratitude, kindness, strength and resilience, she was the rock of the family. She was the strongest of us all - "there was no one stronger than Nana". Her grandkids remember her for her playful, loving, generous heart. She always made sure to play the "sandwich" game and made sure that they felt seen and heard. Nizar's lifelong companion, she blessed him with Fatherhood, and opened his eyes to the beauty in this world. An L.A. hippie at heart, she modeled, was an extra in Night of the Living Dead, she hung out with rock and roll celebrities, and spoke to the stars as an old school switchboard operator. Her laugh was infectious, and she was always happy and positive. Even during hardship, she never lost faith. She will forever be missed, and we all pray to the Almighty  that we take her resilience and strength with us as we mourn the loss of the most incredible woman to walk this Earth. Our love for her is eternal.

Funeral Tuesday 10:15 am from the Wolniak Funeral Home,

5700 S. Pulaski Rd., to St. Turibius Church for Mass at 11:00 am.

Interment St. Casimir Cemetery.

Visitation Monday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com

In accordance with the City of Chicago Phase 5 reopening recommendations dated June 11, 2021 the Wolniak Funeral Home will maintain the expectation that ALL visitors wear face masks properly until further notice. All visitors are encouraged to use of hand sanitizer and wash hands frequently. Social distancing remains advisable. With the exception of bottled water, food and drinks are not allowed in the funeral home at the current time. The Wolniak Funeral Home Staff will remain cleaning and sanitizing after each service. Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this time. The Wolniak Family & Staff