Maria Cieslinski, 61, an area resident for 28 years, died peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born in Yonkers on November 10, 1953, she was the daughter of Benilda Portanova Henze Zwicker of Elkin, NC and the late Harry Henze. Maria had been employed as a dispatcher for the Yonkers Police Department until her retirement in 1986 and was a parishioner of St. Denis Church. She enjoyed quilting, but more than anything she adored her grandchildren and loved them to the moon and back.

On June 14, 1986 at her home in Hopewell Junction, Maria married Charles Cieslinski who survives at home. She is also survived by her children and their spouses, Jason and Amanda Pittman of Poughquag, Michele and David Rebl of Hopewell Junction; her grandchildren, Makayla, Layla, Abigail, Jason Jr., Logan and Aiden; her brother, Audie Henze of Yonkers; her sister, Ann Miller of Elkin, NC; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2-6pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10am at St. Denis Church, 602 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation, 91 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512. For driving directions, online condolences and memorial donations, please visit Maria's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.