It is with both sorrowful hearts and joyous spirits that we announce the passing of Cecile Virginia Yazzolino (Pryor), who was called home to be with the Lord on February 9, 2025, at the age of 93. Cecile was born on March 4, 1931, in North Seattle to Edward GS Pryor and Zella (Rawlings), and later raised by her stepmother, Mable (Johnson).

Cecile’s early years were filled with music, learning to play the violin, piano, and viola, and performing with the Seattle Youth Symphony. Music was a lifelong passion, and she shared her talents with others by teaching piano and directing various church choirs. She was an avid crocheter and knitter, and among her proudest accomplishments were her charity work with Project Linus, creating countless baby blankets for newborns over 20 years.

A graduate of Seattle Pacific College (University) in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in education, Cecile began her teaching career in Central Oregon, where she met her to be husband of 50 years, Frank Yazzolino. They were blessed with six children: Ann (deceased in 1963), Jill Edwards, Dina Tiedje (Bill), Frank Jr (Ingred), Joe (Jolene), and Celia Drake (Don). Her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren brought her much joy.

After living in Bend, OR, Prineville, OR and Kennewick, WA, Cecile and Frank made a life together in Bellevue, Washington, where they became well known for their restaurants, especially Yazzolino’s Pizza and Pasta. Cecile also taught in the Bellevue School District and worked in real estate and at Nordstrom, always maintaining a balance of work, family, and her many passions. After Frank’s passing in 2004, Cecile resided in Indio, California, where she embraced life in the desert before returning to the Seattle area in 2021.

Cecile’s life was one of adventure, creativity, and love. A talented dancer who studied ballet under Mary Ann Wells and performed in a Robert Joffrey program, she also climbed Mount Rainier in 1948 and enjoyed skiing. She and Frank cherished their retirement years traveling the country in their RV, creating memories and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation.

Her family and friends will remember her for her grace, her strength, her giving heart, and the vibrant spirit she brought into every room. Cecile was an only child who married into a large, loving Italian family and quickly became a cherished part of it. Her kindness, faith, and love for her family and community were boundless.  Though Cecile will be greatly missed, we take comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, where there is no more pain or sorrow, only eternal peace.

A memorial service to celebrate Cecile’s life will be held on March 17 at 11:00am at St Jude Catholic Church, Redmond, WA. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests you consider donating to Alzheimer’s Association or Project Linus.

Rest in peace, Cecile. Your legacy of love, music, faith, and wisdom will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.