Judith Cieslak Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Judith pursued her love of the arts throughout her life. She studied at the University of Minnesota and The Juilliard School-institutions that shaped her lifelong engagement with visual art and classical music. Her education laid the foundation for a long, meaningful career teaching humanities at Olive Harvey College in Chicago. She was a gifted violinist who continued to develop her skills until an advanced age, and her art collection, representing several regions of the world, brought her great joy until the very end of her life.
Her personal life was equally full. Judith shared a loving partnership with her spouse, Jean Prebis, and remained a devoted daughter to her parents, Theodore and Harriet Cieslak. She is survived by her sister Joan Retzloff; nieces and nephews Judith Hargreaves, Catherine Lindsey, Philip Retzloff, and Stephen Retzloff; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. All were touched by her keen interest in their lives, her personal support, and her generosity.
Judith's "family" also included many animals. During their fifty years in rural Valparaiso, Indiana, she and Jean welcomed dozens of stray cats and dogs into their home as beloved pets. This interest in animal welfare eventually extended to wild animals, and she and Jean provided part of their land and gathered donations for the construction of a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Other lifelong passions included reading widely, traveling in Europe and Mexico, growing vegetables, hosting lively gatherings in her home, and cooking traditional Polish dishes that connected her to her heritage and beloved childhood.
All of Judith's activities and pursuits reflected the essence of who she was-a woman of intellect and heart.
Judith's legacy will live on in the lives she touched through both word and deed. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
Memorial donations may be made to:
Humane Indiana
570 N 450 E
Valparaiso, IN 46383
https://www.humaneindiana.org/donate
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judith, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
223 W. Jackson Boulevard Suite 200 A, Chicago, IL 60606
Make a Donation
in Judith Cieslak's name
People and places connected with Judith
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Judith's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Judith Cieslak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
