Irene Robitaille

Irene Helen Robitaille, 99, of Osseo, WI, died peacefully at her home and with family at her side on Thursday, July 14, 2016.
Irene was born September 10, 1916 as Helen Czikajla in Pearl Amboy, New Jersey to Peter Czikajla and Emma Buschack, of Budapest, Hungary. Later baptized, as Helen Cikayla at St. Michaels Orphanage and schooled as Helen Gallagher.
Orphaned in the 1920’s, Irene moved to New York City from Atlantic City at the age of 16 to begin her own life, as Irene H. Sikola. Living in a small apartment, she worked various jobs and waitress positions throughout her career. Meeting her future husband in 1936, she would marry and have three children. During the 1940s, she inspired and led a movement in New York City to support women’s suffrage, helping ensure women in the hospitality business could work the lucrative after-hours positions. Irene was a dedicated and inspiring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, always with a helping hand, words of support and a true understanding of unconditional love. Irene was a painter, philatelist, and enjoyed traveling. Ever fond of the ocean, she spent many years of her life on the Jersey Shore in Cape May, where she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Irene retired to Wisconsin, where she shared farm life with family and was blessed with new friendships. Irene made everyone she encountered better through her convictions of love. She will be remembered and honored for generations and will be an everlasting role model.
Irene married Harold Edward Robitaille on April 24, 1937 in Bronx, NY. He preceded her in death on June 10, 1983.
In addition to her husband Harold; Irene was preceded in death by her sons, Harold Jr. and Richard Robitaille, and daughter-in-law, Donna Robitaille. As well by her siblings; Julius, Peter, John, Mildred, William, Alexander, and George.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Ann von Seydewitz (Stan Jr.) of Osseo, WI; daughter-in-law, Sarafina Robitaille of Selden, NY; her eight grandchildren, Glen Robitaille (Liz), Teri von Seydewitz Fritz (Jeff Fritz), Brian Robitaille (Donna), Lori von Seydewitz Emmons (Don), Gary Robitaille, Dean Robitaille (Colleen), Stan von Seydewitz III (Cindy Gardner), Richard Robitaille (Dawn); and her 16 great grandchildren, Jason & Justin Robitaille, Hans, Hannah & Sven Fritz, Anthony, Gina Marie & Vincent Robitaille, Kirk & Danielle Emmons, Nicole Ullah, Stephen Uniszkiewicz & Danielle Robitaille, Alexandria, Anastasia & Eric Robitaille.
Visitation was July 24, 2016 at Arthur F. White Funeral Home. On Monday, July 25, 2016 a Mass was held in her honor at St. Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church, followed by internment at Pinelawn Memorial Park, all located in Farmingdale, New York. The family is being assisted locally by Schiefelbein Funeral Home, Osseo, WI.
A Memorial Tea and Celebration of Life will be held September 10, 2016 from 2-4 pm at the South Beef River Church, in Osseo, Wisconsin.