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We gathered in the silence and began our rembrance. On the middle bench  where she sat for so many Sundays, Cile seemed to be there among us once more. Many of us sensed that a special light was shining through the afternoon sun.
Her presence was in the room with us, as was her gentle spirit. Quiet, strong and full of love.
One Friend who came to remember brought her harp. When she began to play, the music seemed just right for the moment. It was hard for many to believe that Cile would never return – she had been a focal point of our Meeting for so long. It was not a surprise, of course, just a sad fact that we now had to acknowledge.
As the music ended, people began to speak – about Cile’s graciousness, her interest in children, her “quiet discernment,” and her special way of “listening deeply.” The love she gave us for so many years was returned in the loving phrases as people remembered: “a precious member of our Meeting,” Cile’s “tremendous kindness to others,” her “soft footsteps” and “her smile and the gleam in her eyes.”
Cile was also a listener – everyone knew they could come to her for counsel, for comfort and for help with difficult decisions. Her kindness was stressed over and over, and one Friend mentioned that when she opened her heart to this wonderful Friend, Cile’s “non-judgemental gaze” and “deep compassion” were extremely comforting and helpful.
 Several people mentioned Cile’s flowers. A lovely home-grown bouquet often enhanced the Meeting room during worship, and then came down to social hour with us to decorate the table. Cile always took special care to make sure they were “just right”
in color and balance. The flowers sent us a message, they were an extension of her beautiful spirit, and we miss them.
Her artistic sense extended to handicrafts – she was so talented! Seeing the beautiful handmade sweaters and accessories that she wore on winter Sundays brightened the Meetinghouse. She also mixed and matched acquisitions from her years of world travel. It was always fun to see her outfits, hats and jewelry.
Those years of travel were with Bill, her husband of many years. Cile and Bill had a very large circle of friends. She was a wonderful hostess and the elegant dinner parties held in the Vickrey’s Hastings-on-Hudson home are still remembered.
Although Bill was famous for his brilliant economic theories, Friends respected Cile’s in-depth knowledge of Jungian psychology, as well as her wisdom regarding Quaker history and testimonies. Each year she would attend the conference on Psychology and Religion. Her deep spirituality, intellectual curiosity and committment to universalism and were enhanced by her frequent attendance at the Pendle Hill Quaker retreat center. Several people representing Pendle Hill and other organizations joined Scarsdale Friends in remembering Cile.
We were saddened that Cile’s last years required her to leave her home and community, but were happy she was in the safe (Friendly) environment of Kendal-on-Hudson, which she helped to plan and establish. Whenever we came to visit, her joy and beautiful smile reminded us of the happy years she shared with us.
Several people mentioned that, although Cile no longer had any close family, “we are all her family.” Because of the love we feel for her, and our many special memories, she remains part of our Meeting.
Peace to you, Friend Cile.
written by Sue Weisfeld after Cecile Thompson Vickrey’s memorial service on 2/21/09
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