Obituary of Cecilia T. Lewandowski

Cecilia Stepansky Lewandowski, 90, of McClure passed away unexpectedly as a result of a stroke on February 2, 2024 at Independence Health System Frick Hospital.  Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Verna Gorecki Stepansky; her infant daughter, Janet; siblings, John and Leona; in-laws, Walter and Helen Lewandowski; and numerous, brothers and sisters-in-law. 

Left to cherish her memories is her husband Henry, whom she married on a lovely fall day in October; her beloved children, Henry Joe Lewandowski (Melinda), and Andrea Grindle (Tim); the light of her world, granddaughter, Stephanie who gave her the best gift in life, her great-granddaughters, Raygan ( fiancé Jonathan), and Quinn; and grandson “HER” Patrick.  She is also survived by her brother, Thomas Stepansky, her best friend, whom she doted over the past 84 years; and numerous nieces, and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

Cel was the oldest of her family making her the matriarch as well as “the boss”.  She preceded over many family holidays, events, and parties, always worrying if there was enough food.  She loved seeing all the stacks of presents on Christmas Eve, which were open after the wigilia dinner complete with her famous salmon patties. 

Cel loved her polish traditions, especially polka music.  She was a devout Catholic and watched daily mass and the rosary on EWTN.  She also had a lifelong love for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and especially enjoyed watching the games with her brother, Tom.   Cel would often critique the players but had never lost faith in her favorite team.  She also enjoyed watching the Walton marathons and all the veterinary/ puppy shows on television.  Cel loved her dog and her grand dogs!  She also enjoyed her daily visits from “Dog” who she renamed, Duke.  Cel was a “people” person who just loved having someone to talk to so she should keep up on the news. 

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Galone-Caruso Funeral Home Inc., 204 Eagle St. Mt. Pleasant.  A blessing service will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. followed by her funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Everson.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  The family would like to send a special thank you to her helpers, Rhonda, Libby, and Connie; as well as the ER staff at Frick Hospital who showed such care and compassion in her final hours.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest  donations to be made in loving memory of Cecilia, to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Everson, Transfiguration of our Lord Polish National Church, Mt. Pleasant, or to Fayette Friends of Animals.  To offer an online condolence please visit our website at www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com