Renee Ann Conrad Cieslikowski, 70, of Lake Wylie, SC passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024, at the Levine Dickson Hospice House, Charlotte, NC with her devoted husband Mark by her side.

She was born in Tonawanda, NY on December 10, 1953, to John and Dorothy Hardy Conrad and will forever be remembered by her sister Linda (Denis) Blaise, her brothers David Conrad and John (Jan) Conrad and their son. Her memory is a blessing to her sister- in -law, Sharon Trotta, niece Lauren (Justin) Rinko, their children Sophie, Brexton and Willow, her nephew Christopher Trotta and fiancé, Kim and many dear colleagues and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy Conrad, her in-laws Sophie and Herbert Cieslikowski and her partner in crime, brother- in- law, Michael Trotta.

Renee attended Tonawanda High School and met the love of her life Mark, at Long Point Camp, Seneca Lake, NY. It was love at first sight as she snuck Pop Tarts to him from the camp cafeteria. He would often bike seventeen miles from his home in West Seneca to Tonawanda to spend time with her. They wed on May 4, 1974, and for 50+ years have been each other’s soulmates, “PD and Bummer.”

Renee and Mark moved to Charlotte in 1978 as her employer, National Gypsum Company, relocated its headquarters from Buffalo. From Senior Stenographer to Creative and Marketing Director of the company, Renee excelled in managing the production of technical and marketing literature, advertising, and pulling together the company’s first consumer-facing campaign, the PURPLE family of products. Her diligence and focus on client relationships garnered her projects numerous advertising awards and she received the 2013 President’s Excellence Award at National Gypsum. One of her proudest accomplishments was completing her college education and receiving her BS in Business from Pfeiffer University.

Together with their dear friends, Brian and Linda Rich, Renee and Mark formed the Q2U BBQ team. They later opened a restaurant in Lake Wylie known for their award-winning BBQ, catering and community involvement.

In retirement, Renee became the chief navigator of RV adventures from Key West to Maine via family stops in Burt, NY and Fair Haven, NJ. She was co-captain on the pontoon for summer sand bar outings on Lake Wylie. Renee and Mark were the keepers of the family Christmas celebration. She was an expert at finishing the pierogis, wrapping gifts and sharing the magic of Christmas & Easter. Sophie calls her the family glue; Brexton feels her love and joy, and dear Willow will treasure her seahorse Aunty who spoiled her with all things sparkly.

Renee’s friendships encompassed all aspects of her life. Hilton Head weekends with the girls, Big Chill dinners, ski trips and cruise getaways highlighted her love of planning adventures. She served as organizer, mentor, and a most trusted confidant. She leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As Renee found joy in her pets, Rocky, Hoss, Pepper and Suzie, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the York County Humane Society in her name, 8177 Regent Parkway, Fort Mill, SC 29715   https://humanesocietyofyorkcounty.org/donate/

If you feel so moved, go out and do something that brings you real joy and share it with those around you, as Renee would.

A celebration to remember her life will be held at Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Pkwy & Hwy 51, Charlotte, NC on Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 pm.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.