Cecilia Grace (“CiCi”) Morgan, 54, of Ocala, Florida, passed away on February 16, 2021, on the birthday of her older sister Michelle Walker. CiCi was predeceased by Michelle, 64, and by her brother Michael Buppert, 60, both of whom died last July. After a long illness, CiCi died embraced in the arms of her mother and surrounded by the angels at the Cate’s House hospice.

CiCi was born in Leesburg, Florida on May 17, 1966, to Melvin Cecil Morgan (deceased) and Margaret Mills (“Pat”) Buppert. She attended Montessori schools in her native Leesburg, and in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Alexandria, Virginia; she graduated from Jefferson High School in Tampa, attended the University of Florida and was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority.

CiCi loved sports: She played little league baseball, tag football, ran cross country, and excelled at golf. She was her high school’s team mascot and enjoyed donning its dragon costume and performing crazy antics in front of the crowds. Out of costume, she loved the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Redskins and, of course, the Florida Gators.

CiCi loved music and enjoyed playing her guitar with friends. CiCi also loved to travel, and thought New Zealand was one of God’s most beautiful creations.

CiCi’s professional career was in the financial world. She held licenses as a stock broker and as a broker for life insurance, annuities and health insurance. In remembering her, friends and co-workers described CiCi as beautiful, kind, big hearted, intelligent, and a goof ball whose infectious smile brought joy to every gathering. CiCi had a unique ability to make those around her feel special, and it would be difficult to find anyone who had an unkind word to say about her. It’s no wonder that some of her closest friends had been friends since childhood.

CiCi had a passion for animals and she had many. They were her “kids,” and any phone call with CiCi always included long conversations about them. CiCi is survived by her cherished dachshund, Dr. Zaius.

CiCi is also survived by her beloved parents, Irv and Pat Buppert, who she thought hung the moon; and her older brothers Scott Morgan, and his wife Janell, and Jeff Buppert, and his husband Ernie Ahumada. In addition to aunts, uncles and cousins, CiCi is survived by nieces and nephews stretching from Florida to Hawaii whom she simply adored.

CiCi was predeceased by her grandparents Larry and Peggy Mills of Auburndale, FL, and Melvin and Mary Morgan of Woodbury, GA.

CiCi was a loving, sensitive and caring soul, which was exemplified in her final act of kindness: Upon her death, CiCi donated her corneas and tissue so that others might live richer, fuller lives. Just one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 others.

And to be able to see the world through CiCi’s eyes…well, that would be a gift for anyone.

Donations in CiCi’s memory can be made to The E.W. & Lucille Cates House, 9505 SW 110th St., Ocala, FL 34481 or to Interfaith Emergency Services, P.O. Box 992, Ocala, FL 34478.