Isabelle Sokolnicki

Isabelle Ethel Sokolnicki, age 94, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Isabelle was born September 25, 1924 in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Joseph and Bronislawa (nee Jablonska) Baranowski. Starting out life going into the great Depression, Isabelle certainly had a few obstacles to overcome but she always faced them with a great smile and much optimism. She also was prepared for new adventures. In 1944 as a young bride she joined her husband "Casey" in his last posting in Louisville during the war. She had never traveled, was living alone off the post during the week, and had to get a job at Alcoa. This certainly was quite an accomplishment for a girl of 19 back in the mid-1940's. After raising two children she again found herself in a challenging situation. She became the secretary for the head of the Allis Chalmers Research and Test Center in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. It probably sounded like a boring subject to most but she was fascinated by the work of developing new mineral processing methods. After many years of gaining friendships there she retired in 1989. Isabelle continued her interests in cooking and baking and in retirement found more time for what she really loved – reading. She always had a great desire to learn more about the world. She loved to read about history and other cultures. Over the years Isabelle also traveled a lot. She especially enjoyed finding her roots in Poland and went there many times with her husband Casey. It was a thrill to discover long lost relatives and see "where she came from." Isabelle always took a special interest in her travels whether it was a mundane visit to the Hoover Dam or seeing wild Bison in the primeval Bialowiesza forest of Eastern Poland. Her collection of photos showcase her interests and her travel stories will be missed by all. Isabelle is survived by her son Richard of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and her daughter Christine of Stow, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Bronislawa; her husband Casimir; sisters Viola and Caroline; and brothers Henry, Edward, Chester and Stanley. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 4:00PM-6:30PM with a brief prayer to follow at Molthen-Bell Funeral Home, 700 Milwaukee Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172. Interment will be with the immediate family at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Memorials to St. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, South Milwaukee, WI. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of choice.