Obituary of Isabelle Rajkowski

Isabelle Rajkowski, 91, of Marcellus, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 13th. Isabelle was born in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of John DePalma and Isabelle Fields DePalma. She graduated from Blodgett Vocational High School. Isabelle met her husband Richard at the Cameo Theater, where they both worked during their high school days. They married on November 4th, 1950 and planned a large family. Together they built a home in the country in Marcellus, where they lived for 12 years.

As their family grew, they purchased 8 acres in an old apple orchard in the town of Skaneateles, and built a larger home to accommodate their eight children, it was complete with a pond, a pool, and ponies. It remained the family home for 50 years. Isabelle was a stay-at-home mom for 19 years, and considered those years with her children, the most rewarding years of her life.

Following her husband's illness and early retirement, Isabelle obtained full-time employment in nursing, first as an Aide, then an LPN. It was at this time that she continued her education, part time and earned her associate at Onondaga Community College and then her Bachelor of Science at Utica-Rome.

Isabelle had a successful career, as a Staff RN, then Head Nurse and in nursing education. She worked in nursing administration for nine years, and was Assistant Director Nursing Services at the Onondaga County Hospital when she retired in 1992. For the next 23 years, Isabelle worked under contract, testing Nurse Aides for New York State certification, traveling to facilities throughout Upstate New York.

Isabelle was a charter member of the Skaneateles Community Center, where she was a daily swimmer and ice skater. She enjoyed walking every day in town and the country roads for over 35 years. Isabelle was an avid reader and maintained her own library and shared books with others. She also enjoyed working in her perennial garden. Isabelle faithfully attended her children's and grandchildren's games and activities. She was a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Skaneateles, attended daily Mass for many years, was a member of the funeral choir and the sandwich ministry, and she served as a Eucharistic Minister for homebound parishioners. Isabelle was predeceased by her parents, her beloved son Peter, in 1990, and her husband Richard, in 2016.

Surviving are her seven remaining children: Kathleen (Gary) Steward of Hamilton, NY, Richard (Michelle) Rajkowski of Port St. Lucie, FL, Jean Marie (Kevin) Huss of Marcellus, Michael (Colleen) Rajkowski of Marcellus, Daniel (Traci) Rajkowski of Charlotte, NC, Ann (Jeff) Seabury of Manlius, NY and James Rajkowski of Cazenovia, NY. Also surviving, are her much loved grandchildren: Matthew (Sydelle) Steward, Elisabeth (Zack) Weinburg, Andrew (Alicia) Steward, and Nathan (Chelsea) Steward, Chance and Jenna Rajkowski, Mary (Jon) Henderson, Nicholas (Lauren) Huss, and Kevin Huss, Annemarie (Henry) Figueroa and Jonathan (Hollie) Hildreth, Alexandra (Sean) Kelly, Jamison and Mitchell Seabury, Grace and Katie Rajkowski, her beloved great-grandchildren: Cainan and Elliana Steward, Ava and Adrianne Steward, Claire Henderson, Harris Kelly, Wesley Huss, Oliver Probin and Everett Hildreth.

A private Funeral Mass was held at St. Mary's of the Lake Church.

Contributions in memory of Isabelle Rajkowski may be made to: Levine's Children's Hospital (Advancement Fund) at atriumhealthfoundation.orglch or mail to Atrium Health Foundation, 208 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, or St. Jude's Research Hospital P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.