Cecilia Caroline Kowalski

Cecilia Caroline Kowalski, age 93, died early morning Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 at StoryPoint, Waterville, Ohio where she resided for over 3 years. Always assisted by her family, Cecilia’s children and spouses were a constant presence during her remaining days, able to reminisce and support her on her journey home. Born January 4, 1928 to George Sr. & Mary (Stuller) Sopko, who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and settled in East Toledo. She was the youngest of their 13 living children. Ceil graduated from Central Catholic High school and during these years played the organ at Holy Rosary Church, East Toledo. Ceil worked for Surface Combustion, Blade Printing, and American Swiss. She married husband Dan in 1948, and together they raised 5 children in Toledo’s Old West End. Like many homemakers of her time, she didn’t learn to drive a car until the 60’s, however by the 80’s had mastered their lawn tractor caring for their sizable MI yard. A strong work ethic, and the value of education were priorities passed to children. Ceil was purposeful in how she lived her life. Faith and family mattered the most to her. Ceil and Dan shared 39 years together, and after his death she returned to Rosary Cathedral where her children were schooled and where she volunteered. She taught RCIA classes for 16 years and was often asked to be a sponsor for candidates receiving the sacraments. Other volunteer activities included the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Mercy St. Vincent Hospital Auxiliary. She was an excellent cook and baker making and sharing the ethnic recipes of chicken paprikash, and pierogi. Her apricot and nut kolache she gifted to friends at the holidays. Another prized homemade food was her strawberry freezer jam. Taking up quilting after her husband’s death, she became accomplished making quilts, throws, placemats and Christmas tree skirts for her children, grandchildren and great grandkids. Her devotion to her family, her strength, kindness, and loving spirit will never be forgotten. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Dan; parents, George & Mary; sisters, Mary (Stephen) Oravec, Therese (Chuck) Baters, Veronica Sopko, Helen (Ed) Schuh, Ann (Joe) LeRoux, Suzanne (Bob) Mitchell, Sr. Catherine Sopko RSM, Rosalie (Art) Terry, brothers, George (Theresa), Joseph (Jean), Anthony (Carol), Edward (Patricia Quinn) Sopko. She is survived by son Jeff (Mary) Kowalski, daughters, Janet Gelsinger, (Bruce), Kathy Weigman, (Wes), Sally Kriener, (Joel), and Beth DelCol, (John), 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks StoryPoint staff and Promedica Heartland Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rosary Cathedral Parish, 2535 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43610. Visitation will be Sunday Dec. 12 from 4-8PM at the Sujkowski Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Rd, Rossford, OH 43460. Friends are welcome at 9AM on Monday at the funeral home for final visitation and a brief prayer service. A Celebration of Life Mass will take place Monday, 10AM Dec.13 at Rosary Cathedral.