Jolanta Kusiowski Armstrong Obituary (1943 - 2021)

Jolanta Kusiowski Armstrong, 78, resident of Harborcreek Twp. and formerly Vernonia, OR, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at UPMC Hamot Hospital. She was born in Nazi occupied Poland on June 8, 1943, daughter of the late Walter and Katherine (Dziuba) Kusiowski. In 1949, alongside her mother, Yolanta immigrated to the United States to be reunited with her father. Jolanta was a graduate of Brocton H.S. 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 '60 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. 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 December 26, 1964; one brother, Thomas Kusiowski (Georgia); a dear niece, Christine as well as several loving nieces and nephews. Family and friends are warmly invited to call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) today (Sunday, December 19th) from 2 to 4 p.m. where a joint viewing will be held for Jolanta and her brother, George. A graveside service for Jolanta will be held on Tuesday, December 21st at South Harborcreek Cemetery at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be designated to any animal welfare institution of the donor's choice.