Barbara L. (McNiff) Cesarz, 99, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 19 at Billerica Crossing . She was the widow of the late J. Stanley Cesarz who passed away in 1996 after 54 years of marriage.
A daughter of the late John McNiff and the late Goldie (Ackerly) McNiff, she was born on December 22, 1922 in Lowell. She was the last survivor of 12 McNiff siblings. She was raised and educated in Lowell and graduated from Lowell High School.
A lifelong Lowell resident, she was a communicant of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish. She enjoyed puzzles, crossword puzzles, reading and traveling. As a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, riasing her family was her life’s work and her legacy. Spending time with her family was what brought her the most joy.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Gail Cesarz of Portland, ME, Richard S. Cesarz and his wife, Charlene, of Lowell and Joanne L. Fijalkowski and her husband, David, of Westford. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Christine Babiak of South Portland, ME, Holly Ryan of Louisville, KY, Heidi O'Connell of Lowell, Christopher Cesarz of Lowell, Meeghan Corbin of Lowell, Natalie Fijalkowski of Ophir, CO, Adam Fijalkowski of Salem NH, her 7 Great Grandchildren; Liam Ryan, Bradan Ryan, Devin Ryan, Aislinn Ryan, Briar Shultz, Julian Fijalkowski and Skyler Fijalkowski.
Her family would like to extend a thank you to everyone at Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings, as well as the nurses and staff at Beacon Hospice for the care and compassion she recently received.
In accordance with her wishes, her funeral service and burial took place privately at St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.