Sister Myra Ciesielski Osf

Sister Myra Ciesielski, OSF

Sister Myra Ciesielski died at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio on April 1, 2022 surprising her Sisters, family and caregivers after a somewhat brief time dealing with serious health issues. The daughter of Walter and Agnes Ciesielski came to the convent in 1953 from St. Ladislaus Parish in Hamtramck, Michigan where she had been taught by the Sylvania Franciscans from elementary grades through high school. Her religious vocation was inspired by her aunt, Sister M. Natalie, a Sylvania Franciscan, and the joy and friendliness of the Sisters inspired her to follow their lifestyle. She professed her first vows in 1956 and her final vows in the congregation in 1959.

In her 65 plus years in religious life, Sister Myra ministered to the People of God in a variety of ministries. She was well prepared for her ministries with a B.A. in Education and English from Mary Manse College in Toledo; a M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Detroit in Detroit; a M.A. ED. in Non-Public School Administration from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota; and a M. A. in Pastoral Theology from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Her ministries included 14 years teaching at elementary schools in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota; 19 years as principal in schools in Minnesota and Ohio; 8 years as a Pastoral Associate in Ohio; and later in life she was involved in a variety of roles in eldercare in Ohio and Minnesota. Sister Myra and her dear, friend Sister Gwendolin, retired to the Motherhouse in Sylvania in 2018 where they continued to bring sunshine into the lives of the Sisters at Our Lady of Grace Assisted Living. Sister Gwendolin died within a year and Sister Myra continued to help the Sisters celebrate and enjoy many feast days and holidays with parties and special treats. No April Fool Party this year!

Before her 60th Jubilee in 2016, Sister Myra reflected on her years of ministry to the People of God and realized that she had more life behind her than in front of her and she hoped to be able to continue to share her many gifts and talents with others in any way she could despite some physical challenges. She wrote, "Without counting the cost or looking for self-gratification, I wish the things I do in the future will help build up the kingdom so more people will know, love and serve God….I appreciate the support of family and friends, community and clergy who have helped me become the person I am today. God is good…I would like to continue being His chief witness!" Yes, indeed, good Sister, you have accomplished this and many other goals in your life.

Sister Myra is survived by her sister, Carol Atherton (Ray); brother, Walter Ciesielski (Irena); and many other loving family members and friends. She will also be missed by her Sisters in Community and her caregivers at Our Lady of Grace and Rosary Care Center.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, where the Funeral Mass will follow at 4 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are being requested. Live Streaming of the Funeral Mass is: https://video.ibm.com/channel/RvdadQRjbGk

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio. Arrangements by the Thomas I. Wisniewski, Funeral Home, Toledo, Ohio.

www.wisniewskifuneral.net