Marcella Cilwik, 85, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, passed away on July 19, 2017 at High Pointe House in Haverhill, Massachusetts, after a period of declining health.

Marcella Josephine Murawski was born on January 31, 1932 to Boleslaw (Benjamin) and Mary (Kudasik) Murawski in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

Marcella was the youngest of five brothers and four sisters. John Koziel; Frank Koziel; Louis Koziel; Carol White (Koziel); Mary Bobus (Koziel); Sophie Kudlacik (Murawski); Benjamin Murawski; Anna Murawski Ludgarde; Walter Murawski.

Her life took her from Pennsylvania to New Jersey where she found employment with the Presto Lock Company of Garfield in 1950. After working for 10 years, Marcella transitioned to a homemaker role to raise her children Charles, Martin, and Cynthia. Marcella lived in Garfield, New Jersey, from 1950 through 1993. She was married to Charles G. Cilwik from 1960 to 1984.

Marcella moved to Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1993, making it her final residence. Marcella was a persistent and hard-working parent to her children. She faced adversity in a way that would inspire her children to embrace the qualities of kindness, endurance and unselfishness. She never lost the sparkle in her eye, especially when sitting down for a game of cards with her children. She enjoyed visiting and getting visits from family and friends, and found pleasure in such simple things as watching an episode of Jeopardy or a rerun of Bonanza. Her last years were quiet ones, but the impact of her loss will continue to echo in the hearts of the loved ones she leaves behind.

Marcella is survived by her children and their spouses: Charles Cilwik and Victoria Cilwik of North Arlington, NJ; Martin Cilwik and Emma Cilwik of Methuen, MA; Cynthia (Cilwik) Verish and Kenneth Verish of Bellingham, MA. Marcella is also survived by 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Marcella is predeceased by all 9 of her siblings.

Funeral Monday, July 24, 10AM at the Shook Funeral Home, 639 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery in South Hackensack NJ. Visitation Saturday July 22, 4-8 PM.

Donations made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org, in Marcella's memory would be greatly appreciated.