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Barbara Ciszek Obituary

SR. Barbara Jean Ciszek

Sister Barbara Jean (Bee Jay) Ciszek, C. S. J. Beloved member of The Congregation of St. Joseph of LaGrange, celebrating 50 years of Religious Life.

Loving daughter of Bernice and the late Walter. Devoted sister of Mary Jane (Phil) Shirey, Thomas (Terry) and James Ciszek. Dear aunt of 5 nieces and nephews.

Visitation 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31st at The Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park, with Prayer of Remembrance Service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 1st. Interment to follow Mass at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Cardinal Bernardin Early Education Center or The Congregation of St. Joseph appreciated.

Sr. Bee Jay was a teacher at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Melrose Park and St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange. She was Director of Alexine Learning Center Montessori Preschool. She was a teacher and staff member at Seton Montessori Preschool, Executive Director of Chicago Assn. for Education of Young Children (C. A. E. Y. C.), founder & principal of Cardinal Bernardin Early Childhood Center, an instructor for Headstart. In 1990, Sr. Barbara was nominated by the LaGrange Business Assn. as Outstanding Working Woman in LaGrange, IL. She traveled to Brazil, Lithuania, Nigeria and France to lecture/teach Montessori, as well as teaching Early Childhood seminars in the United States.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Jun. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Ciszek

Sponsored by Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside.

Not sure what to say?





Cathleen, niece (sister`s daughter)

September 17, 2024

I have soo many memories of you, Auntie Barb. I even remember singing a song about my diaper bag, and trying to will all the lights to turn or stay green on the way to Montessori with my older sister.
I also remember you taking us to meet all of the other Sisters and staying the night in the Mother House.
I will forever tell all of my friends about my amazing Aunt Barb, who was not only a nun, but a super hero, and an inspiration to me from before I even know what that word even really meant.
I miss you Always. ))hugs(( in Heaven.

Bernadette Pawlik

May 23, 2021

Sister B.J. changed the lives of so many children. Our son developed a genuine love of learning and a sense of mastery during his time at CBECC. She truly lives on in our lives and the lives of so many other families.

Bonnie Manning

May 23, 2021

I was just recalling times we spent together yesterday, and how fortunate I was to have you in my life. This may also be the meaning of life everlasting, Bee. Jay.

Judith Mitchell

May 23, 2019

The passing of time has not diminished our family's cherished memories of Bee Jay. Our daughters had the joy of her many gifts as their preschool teacher at Alexine. Later she and I became colleagues and I
had the joy of her wisdom and experience as a guide for my teaching of young children. Bee Jay's legacy runs deep and lives on with love.
Judith Mitchell Naples, Florida

Barbara Wright siebel

June 8, 2015

Barbara Jean was in my sister Deborah's class of 1960 at St Hugh school in Lyons Il and we all went to Nazareth together.I am sorry to learn about her early death at 68 years old.

Mary Wonderlick

June 2, 2015

Bee Jay, you be missed by many for many reasons, in many ways, and many communities. So from your early childhood community, I'm glad for my opportunities to work with you, to learn from you and with you. Your hallmark, respect. I'll be among those remembering you with much respect and admiration. There will always be ripples begun by you ........ Thank you for friendship. Thank you for your example, for your contributions .......

Debbie Wright Maggio

June 1, 2015

I was so sorry to read of Barbara Jean's passing. It was my pleasure to sit next to her at our 50th class reunion. I am definitely looking forward to the next life. Amen.

Bonnie Manning

May 31, 2015

Memories with Bee Jay go back more than 35 years when we were both foraging our way through the beginnings of understanding and implementing Montessori philosophy. From spending time together everyday in those early years to infrequent sightings in more recent years has had no effect on the strength of the memories I still hold close. Bee Jay, though this is harder for those of us still here, we know you loved everything and everybody in your life. You were fulfilled, happy and generous and I am fortunate to have had your loving spirit in my life.

May 31, 2015

I'm very sorry for the loss of your loved one. I hope the promise found at 1Thessalonians 4:14 helps ease your pain.

John Oharenko

May 31, 2015

Sister Jeanne was an inspiration to us all. Tough, but very compassionate to all the Cadets at SJMA. God Bless you Sister, we're sure you're patroling the heavens :)

Brenda Nightingale

May 31, 2015

We are thinking of you and praying for your family. We love you Tom and Terry. Please give your mom a special hug from us.

Love, John, Brenda and Isaac

May 30, 2015

Our family is ever so grateful to Sr. BeeJay for the wonderful start she gave our daughters, in their school life. We have treasured memories of those preschool days at Alexine. Sr. BeeJay became a respected and admired colleague of mine and I am thankful for her inspiration.
May her family find comfort in knowing how deeply she touched the lives of so many and how her spirit will live on in all our hearts.
Rest in peace Sr. BeeJay.

The Mitchell Family Chicago, IL

May 30, 2015

Rest in piece, your grade school classmate, R.J.Drozdowicz

Eva Parrucci

May 30, 2015

Sister Bee Jay was a unique individual -- funny, intelligent, warm, kind and generous -- a wonderful friend, whom I will miss, as well as an inspiring educational leader.

Bernadette Dorman

May 30, 2015

Our family was so lucky that Sister B.J. was a part of our lives during our son's years at CBECC. When we think about her, it reminds us of this quote from Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened." Her life of service will have an impact across generations.

Larry & Kathi Demski & family

May 30, 2015

She was a shining light in our family and a wonderful cousin. We can now pray to her instead of for her. She's a great example of a life well led.

Mary Romuald

May 30, 2015

It was an honor and a privilege to work alongside Sr. Bee Jay during our time in Nsukka, Nigeria. Her passion and love for the children was an inspiration for success. God bless dear friend, rest in peace.

C Meister

May 29, 2015

Sr. Bee Jay taught me a lot in regards to how to treat children with love and how to run a school. I have taken my experiences with her to Columbus and growing what I learned from her have helped an online school in Ohio reach many children that were not being reached. Thank you to Sr. Bee Jay! I will never forget all that she shared with me. God has a great person joining Him in heaven!

Wynde Webber

May 29, 2015

Dear Ciszek Family,
Take comfort in the Love of family and friends, find Hope in prayer and find Peace in Love.
May the Peace of the Lord be with you; especially during this time of bereavment
Your NICU- NNP Family.

Sister Dolores Lytle, CSA

May 29, 2015

Her vitality is truly missed, we must all grow from her example!

Penny Richardson-Wollrab

May 29, 2015

Barbara Jean and I were St. Hugh classmates and I have fond memories of her. I was especially honored to be invited to a May crowning that she had in her family backyard when we were in school. She will be remembered in my prayers. My condolences to all of her family at this difficult time.

Esther Hicks

May 29, 2015

Be assured of my deepest sympathy and prayers for Sr. Bee Jay's community of friends around the world. She has touched the minds and hearts of many for the greater good. There can be no better legacy. I will miss Bee Jay greatly and will try my best to carry the torch high for and with her.

May 29, 2015

Thank you, B.J. for all you did for children.

Cathy Abraham

May 29, 2015

We are saddened by the news. We loved Bee Jay's love, energy, and passion for teaching and serving. This is a tremendous loss for the Montessori community and children in general. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bee Jay's Family.
Susie and David Shelton-Dodge

Sr. M. Paul McCaughey

May 29, 2015

Sister was a citizen of the world, holding children gracefully in her heart. I treasure her work, her care, and her vision; we all do.

May 29, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family, friends and prayer (Psalm 65:2) during this difficult time.

May 29, 2015

Our hearts go out to the family...especially Grandma Bernice!! We will always have Sr. BeeJay in our hearts and her spirit is always felt with us here at CBECC. We all loved her dearly!! She will be greatly missed!!
Love,
Nancy Giannoni, Fabian De La Pena, Adrien, Michael, and Dario.

Sal Guccione

May 29, 2015

Sister Bee Jay was an outstanding early childhood educator and principal. She cared deeply about providing quality Catholic education for young children.
She welcomed all children and their families. She devoted her life to her family, her religious community and the CBECC children and staff. Sr. Bee Jay will be greatly missed. I was honored to work with her during my years at the Office of Catholic Schools. My prayers are with her family during this time of loss.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Memorial Events
for Barbara Ciszek

May

31

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel

1515 W. Ogden Ave, LaGrange Park, IL

May

31

Prayer Service

6:30 p.m.

The Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel

1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park, IL

Jun

1

Liturgy

10:00 a.m.

The Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel

1515 W. Ogden Ave., LaGrange Park, IL

Jun

1

Interment

Queen of Heaven Cemetery

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525

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