Theodora A. Czartosieski
Theodora Althea (Bobinski) Czartosieski, matriarch of the Bobinski family, born Aug. 19, 1922, at home on Osborne Avenue, Riverhead, to parents Bruno and Althea (Ruskowski) Bobinski, entered into eternal life on Aug. 8, 2017, just a few days shy of what would have been her 95th birthday.
One of six children, she is survived by her brother Joseph Bobinski of Riverhead. A longtime Main Road, Southold, resident, just steps from her parish church of St. Patrick’s, Thea’s primary role was that of mother and homemaker. Thea’s reputation for homemade potato salad, pies and cream puffs reached far and wide, as she often shared her cooking specialties with family and friends. Her smile would radiate a room and often laughter would surround her.
As a young adult, Thea enjoyed bowling and gatherings with her cousins. While attending Riverhead High School, she took a job as a counter clerk for Woolworth & Co. After graduating, Thea became employed as an operator at the New York Telephone Company. This experience led her to serve our country as a private first class telephone operator in the Women’s Army Corps on the west end of the island.
Thea met her husband, Joseph Czartosieski (deceased January 1969) when they happened to be at the same bowling alley one night. After dating a while, and Joe’s World War II stint in the Navy, they married in 1946 and moved to New Jersey. Following three subsequent moves, Joe and Thea settled in Southold, where their family grew to include eight children: Alexandra “Sandy” Graham (Edward); Althea Corner (Paul); Joseph; Alicia Thompson (Charles); Peter; Charles (Anita); John and Steven, all of whom survive her.
She was most proud of her family, which spanned four generations, and often boasted to others about their individual achievements. Thea instilled a strong sense of family, faith and fun in each of her children and the Czartosieski family name became familiar within the town. She introduced her children to the love and appreciation of music and, for a time, sang in the St. Patrick’s Church Choir. Opera, classical piano, rock ’n roll and Broadway musicals often were heard in the home and Thea would sing along with the artists she loved. Family gatherings were common but always special as she intuitively created a magical environment for her children, especially at Christmas and Easter. Family and friends would show up on the front lawn for Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, Thea’s home being a prime viewing location.
After Joe’s death, Thea enjoyed traveling, as she flew to Copenhagen and Rome, Hawaii, California, Wisconsin, Colorado and Florida with Althea; cruised with John along the northeast coast of South America; and summered in Maine with Sandy and Alicia and their families. Her beauty, charm and quick wit attracted attention wherever she went.
A loving grandmother to her nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and numerous stepchildren, grand- and great-, Thea beamed proudly in support of each of them as she attended the numerous christenings, recitals, communions, concerts, confirmations, graduations and weddings that filled her life.
Theodora leaves a legacy of faith, love, compassion for others and her undeniable wit and sense of humor to her family and friends.
There will be a wake Friday, Aug. 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations can be made to IGHL Foundation (note: Mattituck House), 221 N. Sunrise Service Road, Manorville, NY 11949; St. Patrick’s Church, P.O. Box 1117, Southold, NY 11971; or Acadia Center Resident Council, 1146 Woodcrest Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901.
This is a paid notice.
