Theodora Althea Czartosieski of Peconic died August 8, 2017. She was 94 years old.
She born August 19, 1922 at home on Osborn Avenue in Riverhead, one of six children of Bruno and Althea (Ruskowski) Bobinski.
While attending Riverhead High School, she took a job as a counter clerk for F.W. Woolworth & Co. After graduating, Thea became employed as an operator at the New York Telephone Company. She later served in the Women’s Army Corps in the rank of Private First Class.
Thea enjoyed bowling and met her future husband Joseph Czartosieski at a bowling alley. They married in 1946 after he completed his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The couple eventually settled in Southold, where they raised a family of eight children.
She was a homemaker with a reputation for the homemade potato salad, pies and cream puffs she made, treats that reached far and wide as she often shared her cooking specialties with family and friends, her family said. Her smile would radiate a room and often laughter would surround her.
Thea 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 in 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 were often 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 her husband’s death in January 1969, Thea enjoyed traveling with members of her family around the country and internationally.
“Theodora leaves a legacy of faith, love, compassion for others, and her undeniable wit and sense of humor to her family and friends,” her family said.
She is survived by her brother Joseph Bobinski of Riverhead; her children Alexandra Graham, Althea Corner, Joseph, Alicia Thompson, Peter, Charles, John and Steven; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place at Defriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold on Friday, August 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, August 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, Main Road, Southold. Interment will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to “IGHL Foundation” (note: Mattituck House) 221 N. Sunrise Service Rd., Manorville, NY 11949; St. Patrick’s Church, PO Box 1117, Southold, NY 11871; or Acadia Center Resident Council, 1146 Woodcrest Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901.
