Cecilia L. Andrastek, age 94, formerly of 909 S. 25th St., Manitowoc, and currently residing at St. Mary's Home, Manitowoc, received the reward of eternal life early on Sunday morning, Jan. 9, 2005. She was born Cecilia Lucille Andrzejewski on June 8, 1910 in Sigel, Wis., daughter of the late Francis and Frances (Betka) Andrzejewski. Cecilia graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, with the class of 1928. On Oct. 1, 1934, Cecilia married Bernard A. Andrastek at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. They were married for 54 years until he preceded her in death on Sept. 17, 1988. Cecilia was employed at Shipbuilders Credit Union as an assistant to the treasurer for 23 years. She was a competent, dedicated employee who took pride in her work. Cecilia was a past president of the Marine Band Auxiliary and a member of the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters. Cecilia is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: Donald (Barbara) Andrastek, Garden Grove, Calif.; three daughters and two sons-in-law: Bernita (Robert) Heinz, Manitowoc; Constance (William) Dooley, Fredonia; Carol Rudebeck, Germantown; six grandchildren: Lori (Fred) Brown; Mark (Mary) Heinz; Paul (Cindy) Heinz; Lynn (Paul) Pokorski; Jaclyn Rudebeck (fiance: Keith Semple); and Megan Rudebeck; eight great-grandchildren: Stephanie and Nathan Brown; Ashley Heinz and Jordyn Matuschka; Brittany and Aaron Heinz; and Alex and Heather Pokorski; and one sister: Sophie Rugowski, Manitowoc. She is further survived by William Rudebeck, Green Bay; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Cecilia was also preceded in death by one sister and nine brothers. The family will greet relatives and friends from 8:30 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 at St. Mary's Home Chapel, 2005 Division St., Manitowoc. The Rev. Thomas Wojciechowski O.F.M. will officiate at the Mass with Deacon Phil Andrastek, nephew of Cecilia, assisting with the celebration of her life. Entombment will follow at Knollwood Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Mary's Home, Manitowoc. The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at St. Mary's Home, especially the staff on Center 2. The care, compassion and support given to our mother and the entire family will never be forgotten. She had so many special angels who went above and beyond their duties to ensure that she was always comfortable and lovingly cared for. To her doctor, Dr. Donald DeBruyn and Amy Schleunes, P.A., at Aurora Manitowoc Clinic, thank you for watching over her health for all of these years. To Father Tom, mom's special Polish Pal, for your prayers, support and the ability to always bring a smile to her face; you have our unending gratitude. To everyone who has kept Cecilia and her family in their hearts and prayers these past years, words alone cannot express how much this has meant to us. A warm, sincere thank you to everyone. May God bless you all and keep you in His care always. Cecilia was a devoted wife, mother and Busia, who deeply loved her family. She spent many hours in her sunroom enjoying the beauty of the birds and flowers. Despite losing her vision in her later years her strength, courage and positive attitude prevailed through her unfailing faith in God. Fondly remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and the cherished times she spent with her family, she is seeing with new eyes for all eternity.
Herald Times Reporter