Rita M. Cieslewicz, 95, of Dunkirk passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, September 30, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. 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, T.J. Cieslewicz, James (Heidi) Cieslewicz, Christa (Mark) Dues, Clayton Cieslewicz, Jared Cieslewicz, Chad (Mallory) Cieslewicz and Luke (Emily) Cieslewicz; great-grandchildren, Kendal and Teigen; and 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; and grandson, Tyler Cieslewicz.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Saturday, October 10 from 10:00-11:00 AM at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following at 11:30 AM at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth, 295 Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk. Interment will be held in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery. The Blessed Mary Angela Holy Rosary Society will recite the Rosary at the Church on Saturday at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Columban's on the Lake, 2546 Lake Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136; or the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 East Chestnut Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III. Share condolences at www.rmackowiak.com.
