Isabelle Elena Soltysik (née Demery), of Stuart, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at the age of 78. Her life was filled with family who knew her as “Doll” and friends who fondly called her “Izzy.” 

She was born in Elizabeth, NJ, to George and Isabelle Demery. She attended Freehold Regional High School where she was a majorette with aspirations of going to nursing school. Her dreams shifted when she met her future husband of almost 57 years, Robert “Salty” Soltysik, whom she married on June 23, 1962. The couple and their two young children, Robert Jr. and Penne moved from New Jersey in 1967, settling in Lake Park, FL, where Bob worked as a boat captain. Isabelle was a dedicated homemaker, volunteering at the kid's school, St. Claire's Catholic School, and taking care of her parents and in-laws Walter and Gladys Soltysik in their retirement years. When the children were older, she worked for Catholic Community Services for several years. In 1994, Bob and Izzy moved to Stuart, FL where she worked seasonally at various small cafes and diners.

In the mid-'90s, good fortune brought them to work and live their summers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a lifestyle they enjoyed for more than a decade. During those years, she and Bob carried out many more road trips with their yellow lab Jack stopping to see friends and family along the way, including both children who settled in the D.C./Maryland area. 

In 2007, Izzy was diagnosed with dementia. She managed to survive it for several years, continuing her travels and socializing with friends until symptoms made her impaired and mostly homebound. In the last 5 years, she's lived a comfortable and active life in the place she loved most, her home, under the constant care of her husband.

Izzy loved life. She loved Friday night pizza nights; Days of Our Lives; Joe Montana; her Boston Terrier grandson, Wilson; and keeping her hair and wardrobe up with the latest trends. She was an avid Red Sox fan and shared her love of baseball with her son, Bobby a.k.a. “Babes.” She loved Christmas and ALL the tradition. She loved sending and receiving greeting cards. But above all else, she wished for nothing more than to be in her house with her family and friends. With the love and care of her husband, she was able to do that until her passing.

She is survived by brother Robert Demery and brother-in-law Jerry “Stash” Soltysik (Palm Beach Gardens), as well as many nieces and nephews and cherished friends who go back for decades. The family will honor her wishes by not having a funeral service. A mass will be held at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church on Friday, May 3 at 11 AM. She prearranged her cremation and prepared for her husband detailed instruction for her ashes. 

The family is grateful for the condolences. In lieu of flowers and donations, cherish life and make a real effort this year to send a friend a greeting card.