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Celeste Lucille (Hand) Sisk, 56, died March 31, 2021, after a long battle with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Celeste was born June 28, 1964, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her mother, Jacquelyn Hand of Westbrook; her children, Ben and Hayley Sisk, and their father Robert Sisk of Clinton; her sisters, Julie (William) Hisle of Topeka, Kansas, Robin (Kim Anthony) Dibiaso of Chester, and April (Antonio) Barbi of East Haddam; and her devoted companion, Peter Czuchra of Westbrook. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Massimiliano, Emily, Katie, Autumn, David, Delaney, Kyam, and Liberty. She was predeceased by her father Robert Hand and her nephew, Jonathan Barbi.

After attending West Woods Christian Academy and Wilbur Cross High School, Celeste went on to study at Branford Academy of Hair and Cosmetology, and worked at Essence Center for Wellness and Beauty in Old Saybrook. She was a favorite of many clients and co-workers for more than 20 years. Celeste was a parishioner of the First Church of Christ Congregational in Clinton, where she taught Sunday School. She loved children and children loved her.

Celeste loved dance and athletics, studying at Miss Linda’s Dance Studio (The Dance Connection) for 15 years where she also helped teach classes, was an aerobics instructor at her local gym, and participated in gymnastics in middle school and cheerleading in high school. She loved music and wherever there was a microphone, Celeste wasn’t far behind. She was known by everyone to be warm, welcoming, inclusive, generous, and funny. She was a gifted hostess, often holding Oscar night parties in her home as well as many family holiday meals. She was a loving and loyal daughter, sister, wife, and friend and she was a devoted mother to Ben and Hayley. She never made anyone feel like a stranger and when she told you a story, you could smell, taste, and hear her descriptions just as if you were there. Whenever Celeste saw a need, she helped. She thought nothing of hopping on a plane to help a friend through a crisis or giving generously to anyone who had a need. She had a loving, selfless heart.

Celeste was a speaker at her local Alzheimer’s chapter, and was involved in the Alzheimer Walk to raise money and awareness. She fought the disease valiantly, and remained positive and grateful throughout her journey. Her courage and optimism are an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6 at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7 in the Indian River Cemetery, Cemetery Road in Clinton. While flowers are appreciated for our beautiful Celeste, she would want you to consider making a tribute donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 www.alz.org . To share a memory or send a condolence to Celeste’s family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.