Celia (Tia) Diane Zeek
Celia (Tia) Diane Zeek, 67, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026.
Tia was born in Tawas City, Michigan, on January 7, 1959. She spent much of her childhood traveling with her family, though her heart always remained in Hawaii, her favorite of the many places she called home. During her high school years in Texas, Tia’s vibrant personality and athleticism shone as a dedicated member of the Patriots Dance Team and the cheerleading squad. Despite her busy school life, her greatest devotion during those years was to her beloved horse, Nui.
Tia continued her passion for cheerleading at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania, where she forged lifelong friendships and earned her B.A. in Communications. Following graduation, she began her career as a civilian for the U.S. Army. It was there that she met and fell in love with Edward Zeek II, whom she married in 1986.
The couple eventually settled in Wonder Lake, Illinois, where Tia dedicated herself to raising their two daughters while cultivating her artistic passions. With a gifted eye for stenciling, she was often sought out by friends and local businesses to bring her creative touch to their spaces. As her children grew, Tia’s ambition led her to pursue further studies, successfully pivoting into a fulfilling second career in hospital administration.
Most recently, Tia lived in Raleigh, North Carolina to be close to her sister. During her time in Raleigh, she became a proud homeowner and joyfully served as a greeter and Bible Study group member at The Summit Church.
With a spunky, outrageous sense of humor and a spirit that lit up every room, Tia made the world brighter just by being in it. She lived for connection, turning even the briefest encounters into meaningful friendships. As the cornerstone of her family’s traditions, she brought a touch of magic to every celebration. Above all, she was immensely proud of the life she built and the daughters she raised, leaving behind a legacy of love that will be felt for generations.
Tia is survived by her daughters, Alexandra Snyder (Jamie) and Madelyn Fleagle (Michael); three beautiful grandchildren, Jameson Snyder, Cecelia Snyder, and Devere Fleagle; her sister and brother-in-law, Tamra and Mark Miller; and her nephews, Dustin Miller (Cat), Nathan Miller (Maddie), and Luke Miller (Lauren).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9th, at 10:00 A.M. EDT at Northridge Church, 7601 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615.
In lieu of flowers, donations to honor her memory may be made to FAR: The Foundation for Alcoholism Research at https://alcoholismresearch.org/.
The family expresses their deep gratitude to the staff at Transitions LifeCare, who gracefully guided them and their "TiTi" through this journey.