November 24, 1925 – October 2, 2025

Cecelia Ann Glidden, “Cece,” a longtime resident of West Seattle, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, just two months shy of her 100th birthday.

Raised on her father’s farm in Whatcom County, Cecelia moved to Seattle in 1943, where she made her home for the next 82 years. After attending Broadway Business School (1947–1948), she enjoyed a successful career, ultimately becoming the Office Manager for Burien Toyota and Bob Hughes Chevrolet.

To see a slideshow of Cecelia's life click here.

In 1950, Cecelia married the love of her life, Ernest W. Glidden, with whom she shared 49 wonderful years until his passing. Together they raised two children, Luann Budd and Brian Glidden, and built a life marked by hard work, hospitality, and many dear friends.

Cecelia was active in her community throughout her life. She was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, a frequent participant at the West Seattle Senior Center, and, along with Ernie, a life member of the Seattle Elks Lodge #92. She also volunteered with the American Cancer Society. She loved to bowl at Roxbury Lanes, work in her yard, and play Scrabble and pinochle. Every Sunday during football season, she hung up her 12th Man banner and cheered for the Seahawks. Cece will be remembered for her tenacity (as one friend put it, “she was a force to be reckoned with”), her chocolate chip cookies, her generosity, and her love for her friends.

Cecelia is survived by her children, Luann (Kevin) Budd of San Jose, California, and Brian (Ginny) Glidden of Hayden, Idaho; 6 grandchildren: Jeffrey Budd, David Budd, Shawn Budd, Ashley Rotolo, Jordan Glidden and Alex Glidden; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, Ettore and Catterina (Venzo) Mariotto; her husband, Ernest; her brother, Eilo Mariotto of Bellingham; and sisters, Lucy Fredrickson, Flora Nichols, Nora Anderson, and Clara Ziegler; and her special friend, Don Higgins, for twelve years.

A funeral service celebrating Cecelia’s life will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in West Seattle on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m.  Livestreaming link: https://www.olgseattle.org/livestreaming-at-olg

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Annual School Fund.