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In Memory

Cecilia M. Shurko (Jaisle)

Cecilia M. Shurko (Jaisle)

Cecilia Mary Jaisle, 76, died Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at Our Lady of Peace hospice after an extended illness. Ceil died peacefully in her sleep with her sister Joanne by her side.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Joanne Kwoka; daughter, Carllie (formerly, Karla) and husband T. Perry Bowers, and five grandchildren, Kieran Benno, Talia, Lucia, Giada, and Angelo; her son, Adam Jaisle. She also leaves two nieces, a nephew, and their families.

She was preceded in death by the father of their children, Allen Jaisle in 2007, and her parents.

Born in Johnson City, New York, February 2, 1943 to Rose and Stanley Shurko; the family moved to Binghamton, New York and eventually to Bridgeport, Connecticut. She was the first person in her family to attend college. She attended St Joseph's College in West Hartford, Connecticut, then an all-women's college (now University of St. Joseph's), where she majored in organic chemistry. Post graduation she began working for the US Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. as a patent examiner.

Upon moving to Minneapolis with her husband, they adopted two children; Karla from El Salvador and four years later, Adam from Korea. Cecilia was intricately involved in the diversification of her children; she helped start a week long summer camp for children adopted from Central and South America, called La Semana (meaning "the week"). Both of her children attended La Semana as well as Korean Culture Camp. She provided unique and engaging birthday parties, art activities and family camping adventures when the kids were young. She encouraged her children to study music; Karla played classical guitar and Adam studied the trumpet.

She matriculated at William Mitchell College of Law (now Mitchell Hamline School of Law) at the age of 50, and completed her juris doctorate at age 58. She was known to comment that she was not the oldest person in her class, but that she was the only grandmother. She provided pro-bono legal council to individuals seeking political asylum. Cecilia returned to the US Patent and Trademark Office, and worked in Washington, D.C. and eventually remotely from the Twin Cities until she retired in 2012.

After retirement she and her sister Joanne enjoyed traveling to Europe on numerous occasions; she always managed to find attractions that were off the beaten path, and interesting accommodations. She had a life long passion for gardening and would seek out anything in bloom wherever they went. Additionally, she enjoyed traveling with her grandson Kieran Benno, taking him white-water rafting and recently to see the play Hamilton in Chicago.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader both for pleasure and within a small book study group. One of life's highlights for Ceil was attending plays and concerts with her LamaMama friends, trying new restaurants with her church community, thrift store shopping, volunteering for Dress for Success or offering communion at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). She ran her first marathon at age 50, she has been on numerous camping and adventure Outward Bound trips in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Canada.

Her lust for life will be greatly missed by family and friends.

 
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09/01/20 12:57 PM #1    

Priscilla A. Ritchie (Virelli)

I remember Cecelia from Central and I recall her as being a very nice gal.  Wow...what a full life she led.  I am sure that her family will miss her very much.  RIP Cecelia,

 


09/02/20 07:57 AM #2    

Patricia A. Zabielski (Jacobsen)

Cecilia and I were classmates at St. Michael's grammar school and then at Central.  She was a very smart and kind person who was quietly confident in all that she did.  I'm not surprised at the amazing life she had.  My sympathy to her family.


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