Jolanta Kusiowski Armstrong

She was born in Nazi occupied Poland on June 8, 1943, of the late Walter and Katherine (Dzieuba) Kusiowski.

In 1949, alongside her mother, Yolanta immigrated to the United States to be reunited with her father.

Jolanta was a graduate of Brocton High School, where she was an accomplished clarinet player in the marching band. Having been noticed for her keen musical abilities, she was selected to participate in the NY All-State Symphonic Band in both 1959 and 1960 and had also been the recipient of music scholarships to Chautauqua Institution. Yolanta went on to study at S.U.N.Y. at Fredonia where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. It was in one of her chemistry lectures that she would meet her sweetheart and future husband, John.

Jolanta was a career U. S. Navy reservist, having served for 20 years prior to her retirement as a chief petty officer. In addition, she was employed as an analytical chemist by Intel based in Oregon for 17 years prior to her retirement from the corporation. She had previously been employed by Tektronix in Oregon and Bell Telephone Laboratories in New Jersey.

Jolanta Kusiowski Armstrong

After retirement, Yolanta took great pride in being a meticulous homemaker who utilized her analytical skills to run a smooth and efficient household.

A lover of music her entire life, Yolanta was also a lover of all animals and especially enjoyed caring for her pet cats. In addition, she was an avid gardener and loved planning landscaping projects to work on with her brother George, who made his home with her for many years. Always community service oriented, she had served as a part-time EMT along with her husband for many years and had also attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Kusiowski, who died just two days prior to Jolanta.

Survivors include her beloved husband of almost 57 years, John Armstrong, to whom she married on Dec. 26, 1964; one brother, Thomas Kusiowski (Georgia); a dear niece, Christine; as well as several loving nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Jolanta and George will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at South Harborcreek Cemetery at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be designated to any animal welfare institution of the donor’s choice