Obituary of Cecilia Claudina Machado

Cecilia Claudina Machado was called home to heaven on October 19, 2014. Born on December 12, 1933 in the province of Colón, Republic of Panamá, she was the daughter of Samuel A. Machado and Irma L. Catón. Affectionately known as Claudine or "Ceci" to many, she attended Manuel Amador Guerrero primary school, received her Senior High School Diploma from Professional Business School Isabel Herrera Obaldia and continued her education at the National Conservatory of Music and the National Institute of Music where she completed her specializations in Musical Education, Choral and Band Music and was awarded certificates in Advanced Vocal Music. Cecilia was renowned for her exceptional gift and mastery of classical voice throughout the Isthmus of Panamá. Her 1st soprano octave range and keen ear for music afforded her the opportunity to travel across Panamá and overseas to Madrid & Barcelona, Spain; Guayaquil, Ecuador and Cali & Ibagué, Colombia, singing with several prestigious classical chorus groups (Panama's Methodist Church Choir, Atlantic Choral--Twin Cities, Musica Viva de Panamá Choir, The Nevilla Ottley Singers and Chamber Group). She also served as a judge at various singing contests and recorded commercials for Eastern Airlines and The Coca Cola Company. Her musical career later led her to the Education field, where she taught, trained and mentored many middle and high school students in vocal music studies. One of her most prized students is renowned Panamanian singer Yomira John, whom she was most proud of her achievements in the music industry. Married to the late Edbert Joseph in Panamá, they had three children; Christel, Edilberto (Eddy) and Irma. Claudine adored her children and championed them to excel in every area of their lives. In 1984, she migrated to the United States settling in Washington, DC for several years then to the Prince George's County, MD area. Immensely devoted to her family, she became a loving and proud grandmother of Marco, Michael, Maurice Jr. and Miracle. She adored and was dedicated to her four younger sisters, Ivonne, Angela, Gayle and Vinessa, which also extended to her 12 nieces and nephews, cousins, godchildren and lifelong friends. While in the Washington, DC area, Claudine remained true to her Panamanian and musical roots by collaborating, consulting and participating with the Panamá Youth Folkloric Group in its various events, festivals and pageants while exposing and encouraging her children, nieces, nephews and grandsons to participate in all the activities including Panamanian Folklore dances. A strong woman of faith, Cecilia accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior while as a young woman. One of the Mothers of the Word of God Community Church family in Bladensburg, MD, she has been a member for well over a decade. An active participant serving in many ministries, she was Assistant Director of United Voices of Praise, Director of Glad Tidings, Assistant Director and Choreographer of Shekinah Glory Dance Ministry and collaborated with Redeemed Dance Ministry. Cecilia held several positions over the years in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. She was employed with Mandala's Day Care Center as a Teacher in 1985, Marie H. Reed Community Learning Center as a Tutor in 1986, Holy Spirit High School as a Teacher in 1987, St. Thomas Moore High School as their 7th Grade Teacher in 1988, Lado International College-Silver Spring Campus as ESL Teacher and Administrative Assistant in 1989, Department of Social Services as Front Desk Clerk and Translator in 1998 and she was contracted as ESL Instructor for staff at KFC and McDonald's in the late 2000s. She was beloved by the many staff and children she taught at these institutions especially the children who came to the United States as refugees from war torn countries in Central America and other nations. Cecilia is survived by her children: Christel, Edilberto (Eddy) and Irma; her grandchildren: Marco, Michael, Maurice Jr. and Miracle; her sisters: Ivonne, Angela, Gayle and Vinessa; a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Macedonia Community Church, 1026 46th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019.