Phyllis Anne Ciecko

She was the beloved wife of Daniel J. Ciecko for 65 years and the devoted mother of Cheryl Ciecko Goethals (Dave), Marilee Ehresman, the late Michaelene Needham, Dan (Blair) Ciecko, and Jeanine Ciecko. Phyllis was the cherished grandmother of 13—Aaron, Kyle, Ryan, Chip, Stephen, Scott, Andrea, Matt, Justin, Connor, Wilson, Paige, and Daniel—and the proud great-grandmother of five—Audrey, Jonah, Dustin, River, and Millie, whose joy and energy always brightened her days.

Born and raised in Chicago to the late Anna and Joseph Strusz, Phyllis was the dear sister of Alice Hague, and was preceded in death by Joan Drewke and Anne Strusz. She attended Cardinal Stritch High School and later DePaul University, foundations that nurtured her lifelong love of learning.

Throughout her life, Phyllis called several places home, Chicago, Des Plaines, Barrington (Illinois), and River Hills (Wisconsin), before retiring to Naples, Florida, where she enjoyed many years of sunshine, community, and family visits. Phyllis worked as both a legal secretary and a travel agent, roles in which her warmth, organization, and curiosity about the world shone through.

Yet above all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her home was always open, her encouragement unwavering, and her love felt by every generation of her family. Phyllis will be remembered for her grace, humor, kindness, and the steadfast devotion she offered to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the countless lives she touched with her generosity and spirit.

Phyllis wished to share the following poem:

“I’m Free”

“Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Yes, these things, I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch.

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and rejoice with me,

God wanted me now. He set me free.”

(Author: Anne Lingren Davidson, 1974)

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Funeral Mass: 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church 625 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108. Reception following: 12:00pm at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens 525 111th Ave. N., Naples, FL 34108.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be set to Guadalupe Center - www.GuadalupeCenter.org

In remembrance of Phyllis, please think of her the next time you enjoy a bowl of ice cream…one of her favorite treats.