Helene “Helcia” Gajewski Isbitski, 87, a resident of Glenmaura Senior Living, Moosic, and formerly of Plains Township; Bear Creek; Summerfield, Florida; and West Wyoming, passed into eternal life on Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family and caregivers at Glenmaura Senior Living.

Her beloved husband of 63 years was the late Robert E. “Bob” Isbitski who passed away on January 26, 2023.

Born on September 10, 1937, in Wilkes-Barre, Helcia was the daughter of the late Andrew Gajewski and Josephine (Sabat) Mlodzinski Gajewski, of the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre. Helcia was the youngest of nine children.

Raised in Plains Township, Helcia was a lifelong member of SS. Peter and Paul Church where she attended grade school and was active in the choir, Children of Mary, and the school basketball team. She went on to graduate from the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre, in 1955, and served for many years as a co-chairperson of her class reunions.

After graduation, she worked in the accounting department of the Bell Telephone Company, Wilkes-Barre, before becoming a District Manager for Avon Products, Inc.  During her career, she earned the prestigious “Circle of Excellence” award five times, an honor given to the top 10% of managers in the Northeast. Her professional achievements afforded her the opportunity to travel with her beloved husband, Bob, to places like Hawaii, England, Germany, and on many cruises.

Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith with a most special devotion to the Blessed Mother, Helcia was an active member SS. Peter and Paul Church. She was a proud member of its Holy Rosary Society; Past President of its Parent Teacher Association; and co-chaired its Centennial Celebration.

In 1990 when Helcia retired, she and Bob moved to Summerfield, Florida, where they spent 26 joyful years as part-time residents. There, she was a member of the Social Club at Hilltop Estates. Locally, she was a member of the Auxiliary of the Pennsylvania State Police Retirees, and the Antique Automobile Club of America.

A woman of countless enjoyments, Helcia especially loved gardening; shuffleboard tournaments; winning at BINGO and slot machines; crocheting afghans for family and friends; and painting intricate Santa Claus ornaments made from pecan shells. Her attention to detail was unmatched – if she made a mistake in her crochet, she would pull it apart and start over until it was perfect.

Family was everything to Helcia. She brought everyone together on weekends and holidays, cooking traditional Polish dishes, and playing cards and board games late into the night. Visiting Cioci Helcia and Uncle Bob’s was a cherished tradition through the years.  One of the favorite discussions, especially around dinner, was whose family made the best kielbasa, but let it be known that Helcia made the best carrot cake, often sharing that famous cake with neighbors, physicians and anyone in need of a comforting dessert. She loved deep conversations with her cousins, nieces and nephews, and her warmth and wit left an impression on everyone she met.  A devoted mother and grandmother, she was known for her forgiving heart, always mending disagreements and reminding her children of the importance of family.

Always referring to her husband as “hun”, the enduring love and devotion that Helcia and Bob shared throughout their 63 years of marriage set a powerful example for their children and grandchildren – a legacy of loyalty, laughter, and unwavering support.  They exemplified a marriage grounded in humor, love and compassion. Their deep affection for one another was evident throughout their lives and continues to inspire all that knew them.

In addition to her parents, Andrew and Josephine Gajewski, and her husband, Bob, Helcia was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter, John, Edward, Maryan and Ben Mlodzinski; and her sisters, Helen Mlodzinski, Bertha Rensa, and Josephine Yudin.

Left to cherish Helcia’s memory are her four children, Robert Isbitski Jr. and his wife Lori, Bloomsbury, New Jersey; Gary Isbitski and wife, Mary Ann, Wilkes-Barre; Edward Isbitski, Moscow; and Lisa Isbitski Golden, Moosic; her cherished seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:00 AM, from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes Street, Swoyersville, with the Reverend Father John J. Chmil, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in SS. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Cemetery, Plains Township.

Family and friends are invited to attend Helcia’s viewings which will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, and again on Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Helcia or message of condolence with her family, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or Facebook page.

Memorial contributions be made in Helcia’s memory to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507.

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