Kristin Leigh Cieresewski

Kristin Leigh Cieresewski, age 35, of Kalamazoo passed away unexpectedly August 9, 2022 at her home.  She was born April 14, 1987, in Kalamazoo to Richard and Linda Cieresewski.

Kristin began her education at The Montessori School where she thrived in that environment until her family moved to the Mattawan School District.  She was a cheerleader there, beginning in middle school and continuing onto the varsity squad in high school.  Although she was not on a sports team, she loved shooting baskets with her dad in the driveway.

Following high school, Kristin moved onto Grand Valley State University.  While there, she was able to participate in a study abroad program with her French teacher.  It began with exploring Paris and finished in Nice, France, where she enjoyed life on the shores of the Mediterranean, lived with a French speaking family, and was able to be totally immersed in the culture.  Her mother and sister joined her in Nice, and the three of them got to explore Italy, visiting Venice, Florence and Rome.  Kristin graduated from Grand Valley in 2010 with a BA degree in International Business and Marketing with a minor in French.

Over the years, Kristin had many jobs, starting with corn detasseling in the summer, stocker at a shoe store and server at various restaurants.  Most recently though, Kristin worked for PNC Bank, and just celebrated her 10th Anniversary there.  She was a Line of Business Risk Specialist, but at her upcoming midyear review, she was going to learn that she was being promoted to Assistant Vice President – a title that she had been hoping to receive, and which would have made her very happy.  The last couple of years, Kristin added a “fun job”, joining her mother down at The Kalamazoo State Theatre as an usher when it worked with her busy schedule.

Kristin loved going to Lake Michigan, especially Holland, where the family rented a cottage in the summer for many years.  She also enjoyed taking trips on the train to Chicago for some shopping, good food (think Lou Malnati’s Pizza and Garrett Popcorn!) and fun.  She loved attending theatre, and especially seeing Broadway musicals.  Several years ago, after seeing Hamilton in Chicago for the 2nd time, she was thrilled to meet the actor who is the current Hamilton on Broadway.  She loved spending time with family and her friends.  She loved when her dad would stop over and they would watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy together, competing on who did the best on the Jeopardy questions.  That was their “special” time.  In recent years, she started creating jewelry and had a small business on Etsy.  (But truly her biggest “customer” was her little niece, for whom she loved to create necklaces and bracelets.)

Kristin is survived by her parents, Rich and Linda Cieresewski, sister – Jennifer, brother-in-law – Steve and their 3 children – Carter, Tyson and Ella who were truly the loves of her life.  She was also mom to Oliver, her fur baby.  Unfortunately, although he was going to have a new home with friends of Kristin, he sadly passed away on August 14 – no doubt from a broken heart.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23 from 6-8:00 PM at Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Drive, Kalamazoo, MI. 49009.

A funeral/Celebration of Kristin’s Life will be held on Wednesday, August 24 at 11:00 AM.  There will also be a visitation from 10-11:00 AM that morning, preceding the service.  There will also be time for fellowship and sharing following the service.  This will all be held at Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Drive, Kalamazoo, MI. 49009.

Donations in Kristin’s memory may be made to the SPCA.

To leave a memory or condolence for the family, please visit https://www.langelands.com