Born on November 22nd, 1996, Celeste graced many lives, becoming not just the cherished first child of Aggie Di Mauro and Tony Manno, but also the sole ray of sunshine within our extended family. From the moment she entered this world, she became the embodiment of love and light, capturing the hearts of all who knew her.

As a child, Celeste exuded a playful and loving energy that was infectious to all around her. Her laughter filled the air, and her kindness knew no bounds. At the tender age of four and a half, she embraced the role of big sister with a heart full of adoration for her doting brother Alessandro, and later at the tender age of seven, she welcomed her cousin Jesse into her world with open arms.

But it wasn’t just within her family where Celeste’s compassion shone. She disliked the idea of anyone feeling left out, always striving to include others, and spread positivity wherever she went. It was this innate kindness that left a lasting impact on those around her, as evidenced by the heartfelt words of a young woman who found solace in Celeste’s kind words during her darkest days of bullying whilst in high school.

Even as she grew older, Celeste remained steadfast in her commitment to helping others, she did this during her high school years by volunteering her time to an organization for young people needing someone willing to listen to their troubles, this was just one manifestation of her desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need. As Celeste embarked on her journey into adulthood, her aspirations to study Criminology & Psychology at RMIT were fuelled by her unwavering dedication to becoming a ray of hope and healing for others.

Celeste’s beauty transcended the superficial, radiating from the depths of her soul outwards. Her smile had the power to illuminate even the darkest of rooms, while her words of encouragement touched the hearts of all who heard them. She lived by the mantra of kindness, making it her mission to let her heart shine as the most beautiful aspect of her being. She believed in starting your day with a ‘smile, ‘being kind’, and ‘making your heart the prettiest thing about you’.

Amidst her kindness and compassion, Celeste was also a vibrant and spirited soul. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—music, dance, food, laughter, sport, and shopping, embracing each moment with a zest for living, and through it all, her love for her family remained unwavering, a constant source of strength and inspiration.

As she pursued her dreams of becoming a psychologist and perhaps even a model, we all stood beside her, cheering her on with unwavering support. Celeste was not just an intelligent and talented young woman, she was also a ray of hope and love in a world that often felt dim.

Though her time with us was tragically cut short at the young age of 23 on November 16th, 2020, Celeste’s legacy of love and compassion lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. And as we carry her memory forward, we do so with the unwavering belief that her spirit will continue to guide everyone toward a future filled with kindness, empathy, and love.

As a testament to Celeste’s angelic soul, her radiant spirit not only touched those who knew her in life but continues to draw others towards her light. Strangers have found themselves inexplicably connected to her story, longing for the blessing of her presence. Her legacy transcends time, offering solace and inspiration to all who seek it.