Isabelle Czekai

Isabelle C. (Miglicio) Czekai age 95, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday December 3rd. Isabelle’s friends and family will always remember her as loving, nurturing, caring, and sometimes inappropriate. Her love of making people smile didn’t come to an end with her passing, as her loved ones will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest and they encourage you to do the same.

Isabelle was born to Anthony and Elena (Lena) Miglicio on January 9th, 1926. She was one of five children. Her sister and friend Theresa Vizza resides in St. Marys, PA, whom she spoke to everyday up until her last days. She is preceded in death by her brothers Francis Miglicio, Kenneth Miglicio, and Anthony “Junior” Miglicio. Throughout most of her childhood and young adult years Isabelle could be found working at both of her family’s businesses, The Cabin Kitchen, and The Buttonwood Inn. During the war Isabelle also worked for the local post office delivering mail.

One fateful day working in the kitchen at The Cabin, Isabelle met the love of her life Stanley J. Czekai of Johnsonburg, PA. It was love at first sight and Isabelle knew right then she would marry him. Stanley and Isabelle married on August 18th, 1951. Together they raised four children, Deborah Czekai of Florida married to Al Boyce, Kimberly Zito of Georgia married to Michael Zito, Tina Czekai of Pennsylvania, and William Czekai married to Dianne, of Tennessee. They also loved and cared deeply for her godson Russel Miglicio and wife Lisa of Florida. Sadly Stanley J. Czekai left Isabelle and their children too soon in 1988. After his death Isabelle continued to keep his memory alive by endlessly loving their children and their growing families.

After the passing of her husband Isabelle continued to work, selling Avon for many years, she delivered meals on wheels to residents of Emporium, and met her companion Stanley Kolby of Emporium, PA. Together the two enjoyed traveling and she could often be found wearing a leather jacket, riding on the back of his Harley Davidson motorcycle. They rode into the sunsets together until Stanley’s passing in 2012.

Isabelle eventually moved to Erie, PA with her oldest daughter Deborah. She made many dear friends (mostly men) in her apartment complex and enjoyed the simple things in life like sitting outside looking at the flowers and hearing the birds chirp. She would spend her days calling her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on the phone and if they didn’t answer she would leave them entertaining voicemails that they now have to cherish forever. Even from a distance she had the amazing ability to make anyone smile or blush. She is survived by her grandchildren Robert “Bob” Ludwig, wife Pam of Colorado, Anthony Zito, wife Jolevette and children Kira, Jacob, Amelia and Elijah of Georgia, Frank Zito, wife Chandra and children Sofia and Finn of Georgia, Amber Czekai and Danielle of North Carolina, Nicholas Zito and children Isabella “Bella” and Luciano of Georgia, Brittany Czekai, husband Joey and son Reef of New Jersey, Shea Czekai and wife Kelsey of Pennsylvania.

In 2018 she moved to Ocala Florida with her daughter Deborah Czekai and her husband Al Boyce of Erie, PA, who both provided invaluable care for her for many years. Because of their love and devotion she was able to live out the last of her years in happiness and comfort. Even in her final days Isabelle never lost her spunk and personality that many knew and loved. While Isabelle will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her, her memory, jokes, and love of life will live on forever.

“It was a great life, that’s all I can ask for.” – Isabelle Czekai

A mass and celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date in 2022, details to follow. In lieu of donations the family asks for everyone to honor Isabelle by being nice to one another and enjoy life. In the meantime loved ones and friends of Isabelle are welcome to share memories and photos at Isabelleczekai.forevermissed.com.