Andrea R. Ciolkowski

Andrea R. Ciolkowski
November 5, 1939 – October 8, 2025
Andrea R. Ciolkowski passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Oswego, Illinois, at the age of 85. Born on November 5, 1939, in Oak Park, Illinois, Andrea's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with deep devotion to family, a passion for travel, and a heart overflowing with generosity.
Andrea was the beloved wife of the late Arthur J. Ciolkowski, with whom she shared an extraordinary 62-year love story. They met on New Year's Eve in 1952 while waiting to use the same telephone-an encounter that blossomed into a lifetime of shared dreams, adventures, and unwavering partnership. The two were married on November 15, 1958, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church and went on to build a beautiful family together, creating memories that will live forever in the hearts of those who loved them.
Andrea is survived by her three daughters-Julia (Ken) Haines, Lisa (Greg) Wilson, and Jennifer (Doug) Smith. She was a devoted Grammie to Kristin Wilson, Nicholas (LeAnn) Haines, Katelyn (Matthew) Hutchison, Amanda (Dustin) Robertson, Alexander Haines, Kevin (Alyssa) Wilson, Rachel (Nate) Dyer, Andrew (Alison) Mathys, Evan Smith, and Megan Smith, and a loving GiGi to Bennett, Avery, Maxwell, Emmy, Patrick, Austin, Lennox, Elizabeth, Miles, and Josie. Andrea's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Arthur, whom she lovingly referred to as her life's greatest adventure.
Andrea graduated from Morton East High School in 1958, where she was crowned Miss Morton in 1957-an honor that perfectly captured her grace, confidence, and charm. She carried that same poise into her career. Andrea co-owned Inland Travel in Elmhurst and taught travel agent classes at College of Dupage. She excelled in her career as a corporate trainer with American Express Travel. She touched the lives of many throughout her career. As sweet as she could be she never shied away from sharing how she really felt as her illness took over she never lost the ability to use her favorite F word.
Travel was Andrea and Art's shared heartbeat. Their adventures took them to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Italy, and beyond, as well as on countless cruises that became joyful traditions. Even closer to home, they loved traveling with their hunting dogs to Field Trials, where lifelong friendships were made and stories were born.
Known affectionately in the travel industry as "The M&M Lady," Andrea was famous for handing out M&Ms to pilots and flight attendants-a small but memorable act of kindness that reflected her thoughtful spirit. Her generosity extended to all living things; she cared deeply for animals, especially the birds and squirrels that gathered in her yard each evening at 5:00 p.m. for their peanuts.
Music was another of Andrea's joys-Neil Diamond held a special place in her heart, and she attended his concerts with unbridled excitement every time, singing along as though it were her first show all over again.
Andrea's greatest source of pride, however, was her family. She loved sharing stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never missing a chance to boast about their accomplishments. She was affectionately known as "The Queen" to her family.
Arthur and Andrea always told their family they "loved them all more than the lottery". Together, they built a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and loyalty-a legacy that will live on in the lives of those they so dearly loved.
Andrea's family takes comfort in knowing that she and Arthur are once again together, traveling new roads hand in hand. She will be remembered always as a woman who embraced life's journey with joy, compassion, and an open heart.
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