Shirley J. Cielensky of Charleston, WV, lived an amazing 85 years. She died at home, Sunday, January 14, 2024. She was born and raised in Pineville, WV, until her graduation from high school and began attending college at Morris Harvey (now the University of Charleston). It was there she met and later married the love of her life, (and great quarterback) Joseph L. Cielensky.

They were married on July 6, 1957. Mother is predeceased by her loving husband, Joseph Cielensky, their only son, Joseph (Joey), and her parents, Beauman and Edna Goodman.

Charleston Catholic High School was blessed to have her wisdom and caring ways for 43 years where, as secretary, she helped thousands of students throughout her years.  She also had the privilege of working with her husband, Coach Cielensky, for many of those years. Together they imparted not only their skillset, but their wisdom, kindness, and love to all.

Shirley was the oldest of two daughters, born to the late Beauman and Edna Goodman. Soon children entered their world; Leigh Anne Cielensky, Vicki Cielensky-Holstein (the late Mark Holstein), the late Joseph (Joey) Cielensky, and Kelly Cielensky. Grandchildren later blessed her world. Vicki and her late husband Mark had three wonderful boys; Jason (Mady and their daughter Brooks, a great-great grandchild), Justen and Jordan. Kelly was blessed with two daughters; Britani (Adam) Wright and Briena (Shaun) Guthrie.  Britani Wright (Adam) gave mother three great, great grandchildren; Eva, Lucy, and Levi Wright, and another child (a son) on the way. Briena (Shaun) has a son Adrian, and a daughter, Mila, and are expecting a son within a matter of weeks.

Our parents provided their children with the most educational, and privileged life anyone could imagine. Our father was the camp director of Union Carbide’s summer girls camp. We spent so many summers there learning to swim, participating in crafts, archery, sharpshooting, and riding our own horses among many camp horses. We learned camp songs, went on overnight camping trips, learning to build campfire’s, cooking over the fire, and just enjoying what the great outdoors had to offer. When we were in our early teens, our parents purchased a 32-foot trailer which was parked for many years right across the street from the beach in Myrtle Beach. We stayed there from the day after school was out until it was time to go back to school. We also took it to several other campgrounds, traveling to many destinations. These adventures gave us a lifetime of educational experiences, values, appreciating the outdoors, and learning to love (and appreciate) the ocean. Several years later, they purchased a small place in Murrells Inlet, where we would enjoy vacations, extended weekends, holidays, and more. We still enjoy going to the beach.  We couldn’t have had a better start to our lives together. We thank them for everything they gave us.

We will gather one last time to enjoy memories of mother, exchange stories, and celebrate and honor her life at Snodgrass Funeral Home ( 4122 MacCorkle Avenue, S.W. South Charleston WV) on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 5-7 pm, with a short service at 6:00 p.m. Mother will be buried Friday morning at 11:00 am with a few short words in the mausoleum.  Resting place will be alongside her beloved husband with her son next to them at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Charleston, WV.

Many thanks to Snodgrass Funeral Home for their professionalism, their care and help getting through this difficult time. For further information, please contact Snodgrass Funeral Home at 304-768-7324