Violet M. Kowalonek Cegielsky, 98, formerly of Shenandoah, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at Fritzingertown Senior Living Community, Drums, her home for the past two years.

Born in Shenandoah, Oct. 27, 1917, she was the last surviving child of the late Joseph and Mildred Czbator Kowalonek, founders of Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop, Shenandoah.

She was a graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah, and the Pierce Business College, Philadelphia.

Violet was a retired secretary. She was employed by Ateeco Inc., Mrs. T's Pierogies, where she was the first secretary for the company.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, Frackville. Prior to that, she was a devout member of the former Holy Ghost Polish National Catholic Church, Shenandoah, where she served on the parish committee, the choir and the ladies' auxiliary. She was proud of her Polish heritage and was a member of the former Polish Choraliers and the former Polka Belles both of Shenandoah.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband Theodore "Ted" Cegielsky in 1988; three brothers, Walter, Leonard and Paul Kowalonek and two sisters, Mary Andrulonis and Anna Vernitsky Grande.

Surviving are one son, Jan T. "Jack" Cegielsky and his wife, Mary Ann, Drums; a sister-in-law, Florence Heiser and a brother-in-law, Chester Cegielsky, both of Glen Burnie, Md.; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday in St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, 414 W. Oak St., Frackville. The Rev. Robert Plictha, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Holy Ghost Polish National Catholic Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to St. John the Baptist Polish National Catholic Church, Frackville.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.