Cecelia N. Kolesar

December 24, 1924 - January 7, 2022

Cecelia N. Kolesar, 97, of Willoughby, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022, at home, where she had lived for 65 years, surrounded by her family. She was born December 24, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Charles and Cecelia Nicklas. Cis, as she was known to her friends, grew up in Cleveland’s near west side where she met her high school sweetheart, Bill, to whom she was devoted to in marriage for almost 50 years. Her family was always the central focus of her life and she never missed baptisms, birthdays, graduations, and weddings. She is fondly remembered for eagerly stepping out on the dance floor well into her early 90’s sharing her joy of life and God’s blessings. A lover of sports, early in life she was adept at volleyball, bowling, and ping pong. Cis was also a devoted Browns and Indians fan but more so for her children and grandchildren’s sporting events throughout grade school, high school, and college where her attendance spanned decades. Cis also loved people, shopping, and gift-giving. She found her career match in retail sales working for Traveler’s Luggage Shoppes where she worked for 40 years through her 85th year before the store’s closing in Beachwood. Never one to be idle, she continued her retail activity by volunteering at Lake West Hospital’s gift shop for ten years. For fun she especially enjoyed Silver Sneakers, dining, and shopping excursions into Ohio’s Amish country, often returning with unique gifts for loved ones and special memories with her daughters. Throughout her life Cis faithfully attended mass and believed in the power of prayer. She was an inspiration to many in her care for her husband in his final years and spoke often of the abundance of blessings through family that she had received. Survivors include her children, Kathie Kolesar, (Lynn Dinehart, best friend), Nancie (Jerry) Preyss, William (Debbie) Kolesar and David (Jan) Kolesar; grandchildren, Kate, Ben, Lauren, Rachel, Matthew, Adam, Courtney, Billy, Ryan, Kylee, and Kelsey; 20 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Peggy (Bill) Putich of Brecksville; God daughter, Suzie Kisling (nee: Putich) and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members. Preceding Cecelia in death are her husband, J. William Kolesar; 4 sisters, and infant grandson, Baby Kolesar. A Memorial Mass will be held in Cecelia’s honor on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 11:30 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Please meet at the church. The mass will be livestreamed on the church's website, www.facebook.com/Saint-John-Vianney-Pastors-Page-102858731355678/videos/ A private family entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park will take place later. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland 44192 donate online at www.hospicewr.org