Dolores Baranowski

Dolores Cegielski Baranowski, 86, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born in Chappell Hill, Texas on January 15, 1935, to Joseph and Tekla Cegielski. The family moved to Houston when Dolores was a teenager; she graduated from Incarnate Word Academy in 1954. In 1950, Dolores met the love of her life, Alvin Baranowski, while playing bingo at Fireman’s Park in Brenham. They were married September 10, 1956, at Christ the King Church, with the reception at the Bill Mraz Dance Hall.

Dolores, along with her husband Alvin, resided in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area and were owners of several local businesses and rental properties for many years. She had a large circle of friends and enjoyed any opportunity to get together with them. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling and frequently organized trips and social gatherings. She was always ready to go to a casino at a moment’s notice. She loved to play the card game Pitch, and did so with family and friends every Wednesday until the very end. Dolores was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and for many years volunteered at the church bazaar. She was an active member of the American Legion Post #560 and was known to have a drink or two with her many friends. She was a regular contributor to the St. Jude’s Cancer Center for Children.

Dolores was the matriarch of the family. She loved her family and was extremely proud of every one of them, but most importantly, that they were always there for her and each other, as she was always there for her family and friends. When her kids were growing up, Dolores regularly volunteered to chaperone field trips and work in the school cafeteria. It brought a smile to her face when she would see her children there, and an even bigger smile to theirs when they would see her. She and Alvin never missed an activity or sports game, whether her children were playing or cheering. She coached softball for many years, using her knowledge from her own ‘Cegie’ softball days at IWA. Later in life, she attended countless activities for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing in their major milestones and everyday lives. At home you could always count on her cheering on her Astros and Texans. Everyone loved to gather at her home, and did so frequently. She welcomed family, friends, and neighbors often and hosted numerous holiday celebrations including her annual Christmas Eve party. Dolores loved a good party, a reason to laugh, and above all, spending time with loved ones.

Dolores was preceded in death by her husband Alvin, parents Joseph and Tekla Cegielski, in-laws Stanley and Clara Baranowski, grandsons Brian Wisnoski and Kevin Jozwiak, brothers Joe Cegielski and wife Helen, Florian (Lefty) Cegielski and wife Dorothy (Dot) and sister Edwina (Deanie) Harper. She is survived by her children Deborah Wisnoski and husband Mark, Kenneth (Tiger) Baranowski and wife Theresa, Teri Orlando and husband Stephen; grandchildren Jackie Wisnoski (wife of Brian Wisnoski), Megan Denton and husband Jayson, Joshua Brogdon and wife Jillian, Timothy Brogdon and wife Randi, Jennifer Capellen and husband Chase, Michelle Jozwiak and Terry Hipp, Lillian Orlando and Belle Orlando; great-grandchildren Evan and Brooke Wisnoski, Addison and Parker Denton, Jackson and Jensen Brogdon, Graham and Emerson Brogdon, Hunter Capellen; sister-in-law Mary Jo (Cookie) Barnett and husband Don, lifelong friend Agnes Kiesewetter and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home on Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 12, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 , Brinkman. Pallbearers are Joshua Brogdon, Timothy Brogdon, Evan Wisnoski, Chase Capellen, Jayson Denton, Terry Hipp, Don Barnett, Earl Cegielski, and Rick Cegielski. Honorary Pallbearers are Brian Wisnoski, Kevin Jozwiak, Royce Harper, and Butch Hoffart. Officiating will be Fr. Rafael Becerra. The Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery.