Celeste A. Earl

In Loving Memory of Celeste A. (Macchietto) Earl . . .

Celeste A. (Macchietto) Earl was born on July 5, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up as the youngest of five siblings, including one sister and three brothers, in the the close-knit Italian neighborhood near 24th and Poppleton Street. Her first generation Italian-American parents, Marie Larese (a homemaker – until her passing when Celeste was 10 years old) and Alfonso Macchietto (a skilled terrazzo floor installer), instilled in her the values of resilience and frugality which resonated with Celeste throughout her life.

While working at Mutual of Omaha and through the help of a co-worker, Celeste’s path intersected with that of her future husband, Rex D. Earl. Their love story began at the race track in the early 1950’s. Despite Rex’s passion for stock car racing which Celeste found nerve-wracking, their connection deepened. On August 29, 1953, they exchanged vows, embarking on a marriage that would flourish for an incredible 70 years. Together, they raised four daughters and one son.

Celeste’s talents were practical and humbly undertaken. As a devoted mother, she maintained an impeccably organized and spotless home and prepared delicious meals for her family, including favorite dishes inspired by her Italian heritage. She rarely treated herself to a day or night off from family meal preparations. Celeste also spent hours sewing costumes for her children’s dance recitals and excelled at slalom water skiing and doubles tennis. She was not a great sailor as Celeste typically spent more time in the water attempting to right a capsized sailboat while her laughter echoed across the water. 

Bridge – a card game she deeply enjoyed – earned Celeste master recognition. She played her last bridge game four days prior to her passing. Though petite in stature, Celeste possessed quiet strength. She taught her children the art of thoughtful, hand-written and grammatically correct thank-you notes and meticulously managed “the books” for Rex’s regional nursing homes. Celeste and Rex’s passion for genealogy led to the compilation of several volumes of family history books – a task now carried forward by one of her daughters.

One of Celeste’s “fave” vacation destinations was Placencia, Belize which she claimed had the BEST European gelato!! As a steadfast Nebraska Husker sports fan, she closely followed football and women’s volleyball. In family fantasy football leagues, Celeste was always on top of the games and a formidable participant.

Celeste faced life’s challenges with grace and faith. She carried her crosses without complaint, even through health struggles and the loss over time of all of her immediate family members. Celeste treasured her sister’s rosary from the Order of the Poor Clares. 

Celeste leaves behind a legacy of love and fortitude. She is survived by her four daughters: Renee (Phill) Lorenzo, Denise (Dan) Drvol, Cathi (Dave) Reinmiller, Jeannine (Michel) Prosperi; her son, Rex (Amy) Earl; thirteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. 

MASS of Christian Burial Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30am, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with private interment at a later date at Omaha National Cemetery. 

VISITATION with the family begins Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 5:30pm at the Pacific Street Chapel with a WAKE service at 7:00pm.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Divine Mercy Pantry at St. Vincent de Paul Church or Meals on Wheels America