Morris “Mo” Weiss and Cecilia “Cici”’ Silling are children of immigrants who came to the United States looking for a better future. Both celebrating a recent birthday, they are grateful for the sacrifices their parents made so that “the land of the brave” would become their home.
Weiss was born in Hartford, Conn., in 1919, the only son of a Polish mother and a Russian father who arrived with no money and no language skills but worked long hours as a painter to provide for his family. Many childhood memories seem so distant as Weiss turns 101 years old this month, but he is quick to say that although he has three sisters “I was my parents’ favorite.” How do you know?, we asked. “Oh, they told me all the time, and my mother always gave me more candy.”Weiss studied accounting in college, but shortly after graduation he was drafted and sent to the South Pacific to fight in World War II.
“I got malaria,” said the Army veteran about those days when he proudly served this country.
Less than four years later, he was back home marrying the daughter of the local baker. A widow at the age of 30, he later remarried and says he had a wonderful life with his wife of almost 60 years. Although she passed a few years ago, he couldn’t help but smile remembering their active lifestyle doing lots of golfing, skiing, swimming and traveling. He especially remembers a trip to Israel where he was able to learn about his Jewish roots.
Silling’s roots are in Ireland, the land of her parents and where she lived until age 19. Arriving in New York City in 1943 was quite a shock for the teenager, but she quickly learned to love what her mother called “the best country in the world.” She also has fond memories of her German mother-in-law, who insisted that she “was the best thing that happened to her son.” Married to Eton Silling for more than 40 yrs, the 96-year old has two sons who are her pride and joy.
The community of The Preserve at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach wishes both Mo and Cici a happy birthday!