Cecilia M. Dukish

Cecilia Dukish, 84, Beaver Dam, formerly of Juneau, Wisconsin, was embraced in the loving arms of our merciful Lord and Savior, in the twilight of her life on Saturday, April 5th, 2008, surrounded by her family. Cecilia was born to Isadore and Viktoria (Godleski) Krzyzewski on October 2, 1923, in Hurley, Wisconsin, where she also attended school. She was the twelfth of 13 children. Cecilia was a wife, mother, and homemaker, and later in life, she became a Certified Nurse”s Aide and was employed at Lakeview Nursing Home, Beaver Dam, for many years, and having left that position, she went on to work in the field of home health care. Mom chose to heed the call to work with people, as she was ideally suited to the task of caring for others, always looking to better the lives of those she touched.

Suffering a debilitating stroke in June 1997, our mother had to give up the work she so enjoyed, striving to and succeeding in making a difference in this world. Once resigning herself to her physical limitations, she refused to give into depression, Mom indulged all the more in four of her favorite pastimes: letter-writing, reading, working puzzles and playing Bingo. Her wit was keen and her sense of humor always apparent, at just the right times. She could lift anybody”s spirits and, on countless occasions, did just that. Our mother was a great listener and very compassionate toward people, especially those who needed it most. She will be remembered for her sensitivity to others, in spite of being challenged by many of life”s adversities, herself. We owe our gratitude to our mother, for instilling in her children a sense of spirituality because of her unwavering faith, which has sustained us, throughout the years, during our own trials. Being the mother of 11 children, (to include two sets of twins, born a year apart), she divided her time and attention equally to all of us. She was a very devoted mother and loyal friend.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George, in 1980, her son, William, in 1996, and siblings, Henry, Helen, Mille, Eddie, Anton, Albert, Johnny, Johanna, Irene, Isadore, and Alex. Survivors include her sister, Alice Sonnentag, Milwaukee; her children, Victoria, Juneau; Georgetta (Fred) Piotrowski, Chicago, Illinois; Kathy Wallace, Reno, Nevada; George Jr. (Shirley), Fond du Lac; Jeanette, Big Spring, Texas; Annette Winter, Juneau; Willard, Beaver Dam; Gerry (Lois), Waupun; Charlene Morris, Beaver Dam, and Joanne, of San Diego, California. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters-in-law, as well as dear friends she”s made over the years.

Although, we just can”t accept the fact that one of our precious loved ones is actually absent from our daily lives, we can, nevertheless, be thankful that they are in a far better place, where there is no sickness, sorrow, pain, or mournful goodbyes. Death need not be viewed as a personal tragedy, but rather, a blessed release from all turmoil and human struggle. Special thanks to Dr. Kuehnl for being able to treat Mom through his expertise. Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Hillside Manor for giving our mother a greater quality of life, in their endeavor to meet her every need and do so with cheerfulness and professionalism. Because of the nursing staff”s astute observations, they helped to make her passing a kinder and gentler one. Their kindness will not be forgotten. At the request of the family, there will be no visitation. Cremation will take place.

The family suggests that memorials be made in Cecilia Dukish”s name to Hillside Manor, 803 South University Avenue, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 53916.

The Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at our website at www.MurrayFH.com.