Cecelia M. “Che Che” Sommers, a long-time resident of Fairport, NY died peacefully in her sleep at the Friendly Home on June 7, 2025. She was 85 years old. Predeceased by her loving husband, Eugene “Gene” Sommers of 60 years. She was born on January 27, 1940 to the late John G. and Mary A. Scialdone in Rochester, NY.
Che Che is survived by her loving children, Cyndi Sherman, Mark (Julie) Sommers, Eric (Dr. Shirley Mthethwa) Sommers and Dr. Joel (Dr. Diana Medina) Sommers; her grandchildren, Nandi, Issa, Summer, Stephen, William, Sarah and Gabriel; sisters Yvonne (Ken) Yockel and Linda Stanley; brother in law Raymond Sommers; sister in laws MaryAlice Passage and Susan Sommers; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
She grew up in Greece, NY and as a teenager met the love of her life Gene, at the St. Charles Borromeo’s youth center. She graduated from Charlotte High School (‘57) and received a A.S. degree in Business from RIT (‘59)
Che Che loved music and could always be heard singing or humming a tune. As a child she learned to play the accordion and liked telling people that she played alongside Chuck Mangione in an Italian Youth Band.
Her early years were spent as a homemaker and mother. She volunteered her free time with the church, PTA and the Fairport Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending time with family and was able to travel the world with Gene.
Services will be held at St. John of Rochester Church in Fairport, NY on Friday June 13th at 10 AM.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Che Che’s memory to the Golisano Children’s Hospital (Golisano Gifts) or to the McQuaid Scholarship Fund (McQuaid Gift)
4 responses to “Sommers, Cecelia “Che Che” M.”
Sandra and Fracis are very sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in these difficult times. Che Che will always be remembered for her warmth and kindness. May she rest in peace.
Those of us who have known and loved both “Gene & Cheech” since our high school days together, weep, more, and cry together with her family at her passing. We also know that finally peace has been granted to her to finally finish her long journey. Her photo posted here is in fact the Che-Che we all knew and loved for all those years. Thank you for restating her story as it really was.
My love and sympathy to all of you who read and know her story as l have.
A long-standing and dear friend from college days in the Medical Secretarial program at RIT along with Beverly, Nancy, and Peggy. Always jovial and fun to meet and talk with.
Will be sincerely missed.
Sending love and condolences to Che Che and Gene’s family. Che Che and my mother were cousins and they shared a special bond despite living far distances from each other much of their adult life. I have fond memories of Che Che and Gene visiting us in Canada and spending time together in Rochester for many fun family gatherings. An amazing couple who will be forever loved and missed.