Marlene A. Cieslak (nee Struzynski), age 81, passed away on July 6, 2025. Beloved mother of Sherry Foss (Scott) and the late Stephen D. Cieslak; dear grandmother of Emily Foss, Ryan Foss, Stephen Cieslak, and Matthew Cieslak; sister of Theresa Stolla (Edward); and the late Stephen Struzynski and David Struzynski; aunt, great aunt, and cousin of many including Beverly Consilvio who was like a sister growing up; former wife of Theodore Cieslak. Teddy the Golden Doodle was a faithful companion and loved by Marlene.
Marlene grew up in a Polish community in Cleveland surrounded by her immediate and extended family; three generations in a home filled with love and tradition. She attended Catholic school her whole life, worked for Ohio Bell, married, and created her family. Family was everything to her. Marlene was a devoted mother to Sherry and Steve, always doing whatever it took to give them a wonderful and happy life! After many years at home, she returned to work as an office manager for multiple offices for a doctor. Tradition continued when Marlene came to live with her daughter, Sherry and her family for 21 years. She was a tremendous gift to the family! Marlene helped the family in so many ways. She was the best homework helper, chef, advisor, and family matriarch. She loved her extended family and friends fiercely! Always full of love and light, she enjoyed the beauty in all things. Marlene was a talented floral arranger, wreath maker, and amazing cook. She loved her National Enquirer, reality shows and a good High Ball! Marlene was humble, generous, courageous, strong, and had the best sense of humor. Her loss will be deeply felt. She was beautiful inside and out! Heaven has gained one extraordinary woman!
All are asked to gather at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 9451 Brandywine Road, Northfield, OH on Friday, July 18, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate Marlene’s Mass of Christian Burial. Please enter St. Barnabas from Olde 8 Road. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested in her name to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Foundation) online at https://tinyurl.com/T1Diabtes; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at https://tinyurl.com/StJudeChHosp; or Holy Family Hospice, 6707 State Road, Parma, OH 44134 or online at https://tinyurl.com/HolyFamHspce.
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