Anna Kielian

July 7, 1952 - September 10, 2026

Anna Kielian (née Cyboran), daughter of the late Maria and Czesław; beloved wife of the late Andrzej; devoted mother of Sławomir (Sandra), Magdalena (Adam), and Agnieszka (Daniel); deeply loved grandmother of Oliver, Andrew, Arthur, and Natalie; and cherished sister of Stanisław (Elżbieta) and Marek (Barbara) passed away at the age of 74, surrounded by her loving family.

Anna grew up in Skrzyszów, near her birthplace of Tarnów, Poland. A lifelong trailblazer, she was among the first people from her village to attend a university. After graduating with a degree in economics from Akademia Ekonomiczna in Kraków, Anna began her career as a statistician and later became a high school economics teacher. An innovative and enthusiastic educator, she created the first mock stock exchange of its kind in Poland for her students, bringing economics to life.

She loved traveling and exploring the world, its cultures, and its cuisines. She met life with curiosity, courage, and a deep appreciation for all there was to discover.

In her mid-forties, Anna and her husband made the courageous decision to move their family to the United States to pursue greater opportunities for their three children. Hardworking and determined, she attended evening university classes to improve her English and continue her education while working during the day. She later worked as a library assistant at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary.

Anna’s entrepreneurial spirit played a key role in helping her husband start and run a precision toolmaking business. After his passing, she took responsibility for running it herself and became one of the very few women in the industry. She learned every aspect of the business and carried it forward successfully with her characteristic determination and resilience.

She was exceptionally organized and meticulous, remembered every birthday and important occasion, and always found a way to make each one special. She rarely rested and was constantly planning, helping, organizing, or pushing something forward. Her determination and unmistakable energy were her signature.

Her Catholic faith was a source of great comfort and strength throughout her life. Her loving words at every parting, “God bless you,” expressed both the depth of that faith and the love and care she genuinely extended to others.

Above all, Anna was devoted to her family, and she instilled that devotion in all of us; she was happiest when her children and grandchildren were all together with her. She took immense pride in her children’s professional accomplishments, but even more in the people they became and the lives and families they built. Despite all that she herself accomplished and overcame, Anna remained deeply humble. She was endlessly loving and generous - always there for others and like a mother to many.

In the final months of her life, she faced a devastating neurodegenerative illness with courage and grace. She never complained and continued to show love and concern for those around her.

Her strength, warmth, faith, and unmistakable spirit continue to live on in her children, grandchildren, and all whose lives she touched.

We will miss her beyond words, but we find comfort in knowing that she is at peace. We will carry her love and legacy with us always.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Anna’s memory are invited to support the American Brain Foundation and its work advancing research toward better treatments and cures for brain-related diseases.