Rita M. Cieslewicz

Rita M. Cieslewicz, 95, of Dunkirk, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center in Dunkirk. She was born in Dunkirk on October 26, 1930, wife of the late Thomas V. Cieslewicz, and daughter of the late John and Martha (Mroczka) Jaguszewski.

A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Rita devoted her life to caring for others, serving her church, and bringing joy and laughter to those around her.Rita was a graduate of Dunkirk High School and went on to attend the Sisters of Charity School of Nursing. She began a remarkable career at Brooks Memorial Hospital, where she proudly worked for more than 45 years. Throughout her years at Brooks, Rita served in many different positions, ultimately becoming Nursing Supervisor. Her dedication to her patients and her profession was a source of great pride throughout her life.Rita was a woman of deep and unwavering Catholic faith. St. Hyacinth’s Church was truly the center of her life, and she was a very active and devoted member of the parish. She also served as President of the Rosary Society for several years. Her faith and her church community were incredibly important to her, and she cherished the many friendships and memories she made there.Outside of her work and church, Rita had a wonderful sense of humor and loved making people laugh. She treasured time spent with her family and enjoyed traveling. One of her most memorable adventures was a trip to Italy, where she had the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II. Rita also enjoyed playing bingo, gardening, and taking great pride in her beautiful yard. She had a special love for animals.

Rita's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Columban's On the Lake for their exceptional care of Rita over the years.

Rita is survived by her sons Thomas (Ann) Cieslewicz, Richard (Lisa) Cieslewicz, and John (Cheryl) Cieslewicz; grandchildren TJ Cieslewicz, James (Heidi) Cieslewicz, Christa (Mark) Dues, Clayton Cieslewicz, Jared Cieslewicz, Chad (Mallory) Cieslewicz, and Luke (Emily) Cieslewicz; great-grandchildren, Kendal, and Teigen. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Rita is preceded in death by her siblings Jane Pieszak, Patricia Pincoski-Hudson, and Jackie Jaguszewski. She is also preceded by her grandson Tyler Cieslewicz.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc.; 56 East Doughty Street, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following at 11:30 a.m. at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth; 295 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc. Share condolences at, www.Rmackowiak.com

The Blessed Mary Angela Holy Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at the Church on Saturday at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Columban's On the Lake; 2546 Lake Rd, Silver Creek, NY or the Lakeshore Humane Society; 431 E Chestnut St, Dunkirk, NY.