Cecelia Veronica Klein

Cecelia Klein, also known as Vera or Veronica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in Ellicott City, Maryland at the age of 87. She is survived by her son, Charles “Chuck” Hiep (and wife Lorena), grandchildren Julia Hilton (and husband Zachary) and Charles “Joseph” Hiep, great-grandchildren Connor and Sophie Hilton, brother John Quinn, and beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Vera was predeceased by her husband, Richard “Dick” Klein, parents John “Jack” and Cecelia Quinn, and sisters Sarah Quinn and Mary Ellen Scott.

Vera, a first generation American, was born and raised in New York City to Irish immigrants, and graduated from Cathedral Catholic High School. She worked at a variety of administrative and secretarial positions, including for the American Federation of Teachers, the University of Maryland College Park, and the Rouse Company. She enjoyed moving around, and throughout her life resided in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland (Greenbelt, Bowie, Ocean City, and Annapolis), Washington (Whidbey Island), and California (San Diego).

A vivacious and passionate woman, Vera enjoyed skiing, boating, dancing, tennis, golf, canasta, quilting, eating Maryland steamed crabs, going to the beach, and singing along enthusiastically to songs by Neil Diamond. She made friends easily and joined social groups such as the New Annapolitans, the Washington Ski Club, and the Annapolis Yacht Club. Vera volunteered at museums, theaters, and with seniors, helping them navigate insurance. She loved her Maltese dogs: Raleigh, Dinghy, and Noel. Vera was full of life, and would often state “I can feel my insides smiling!”

A mass will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, MD. She will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, rejoining her beloved husband Dick, in 2027.