Szynkarski, Jolanthe
Szynkarski, Jolanthe, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2022, at her home in Cranston with her loving children by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Szynkarski for 45 years before his passing in 1993. Born in Berlin, she was the daughter of the late Gustav and Mathilde (Eczy) Kischke. She spent her teenage years watching the horrors of the Holocaust, she witnessed the mistreatment of her friends and community and felt the impact of the war. When the war was coming to an end, she found a way to convert to Judaism and met the love of her life, Henry, who was a survivor. She and Henry moved from Germany to Providence in 1951, it was here that they found the safety they needed to begin their family and lives together; She and her husband moved to Cranston in 1961.
Jolanthe was a dedicated mother to three incredible children; her profession was in a manufacturing office, but her passions laid with raising her children. She was a caring woman who worked incredibly hard to provide a happy and healthy home to her children. She had a love for animals that she shared with her children. She was a perpetual optimist who only saw the good in individuals. According to her family, she provided the perfect Ozzie & Harriet Immigrant household, she and Henry exemplified a happy and healthy marriage to their children.
She was thrifty and spotless, she always extended her love and kindness to everyone, her generosity was truly without condition. Jolanthe was the mother every child deserves, and we are eternally lucky to have been raised with her unwavering love, support, and kindness. Her kindness was fueled by the memories of those who were taken too soon; she was a dedicated Jewish woman, she kept to the values of Judaism at the forefront of her practice. She taught her family to respect and embrace the lessons taught by the Rabbi and Cantors of the former Temple Torat and beyond.
Devoted mother of Monika Szynkarski of North Kingstown, Jeffrey Szynkarski of Cranston and Michael and his wife, Marcie Szynkarski of Houston, TX. Treasured aunt to five endearing nieces and nephews, Arlene, Donna, Barbara, and the two Jacks. Loving grandmother of Ross, David, and Claudia. Cherished great-grandmother of Chase, Steven Henry, Erin, and Elias.
Aside from her parents and husband, Jolanthe was predeceased by her brother, Frank Kischke and her sister, Jutta Erhart.
Graveside services will be held Monday, August 1, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Lincoln Park Cemetery on Post Road in Warwick. Shiva will be observed at the home of Monika Szynkarski, at 77 Tockwotton Farm Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852 on Monday, August 1, 2022, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906.
Our deepest condolences to Monika and the Szynkarski family.
Fran and Arthur Mossberg
Jeff and Monika,
We’re very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I remember she insisted l was her paperboy even though Sunset Terrace wasn’t on my route. I was glad to ride my bike over there……. 55 years ago.
Bruce and Paula Wasser
Dearest Monika and family,
Your mom was such an amazing woman! I loved chatting with her at Hadassah events. May you find comfort and peace in all your treasured memories during this difficult time. Her memory is an eternal blessing.
Our prayers to the family. Peace be unto you.
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mother, not only for you, but our entire family. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
Love
Barbara and Chris Edson
Dear Monika,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your mother.
What an amazing woman she must be, and may her memory be a blessing for all time and bring you comfort at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joyce Singer Lee
Jolanthe was my second mother and I am her third son and fourth child. I lived directly across the street from The Szynkarskis on Sunset Terrace.
The day the family moved into the neighborhood is forever etched in my mind. I remember everything about that day, though I didn’t officially meet the family until the following week. Michael and Jeff were my best friends during childhood and teen years and we still keep in touch today. Now Monika is among my best friends.
As Mike and Jeff emerged as my best friends, Jolanthe embraced me like a son. I could walk into their house anytime, without knocking, go to the refrigerator and eat anything — especially ice cream and cereal — and flip on the TV to watch The Three Stooges. Whenever someone walked into the kitchen, even as early as 9 am, they never even flinched or acted surprised to see me. That’s being a true member of the family.
I had a severe stuttering problem as a child. Many kids made fun of me. Jolanthe was so consoling. She would tell me, “Ricky, slow down. Relax. Say your words one at a time.” Eventually, I overcame the problem — and even became a sports broadcaster.
As I became older, graduating from college, launching a tremendous career as a newspaper and magazine sportswriter and editor, then a broadcaster,
getting married, having a daughter and son, and now a grandson, I never ever forgot The Szynkarskis.
When visiting my parents, it would take me all of 15 minutes to race across the street to give my second mom a huge, heartfelt hug — as well as Henry, Mike, Jeff and Monika. When I brought my wife and children over to meet her, I gushed with joy that they met the mother that had such an important place in my heart and such a positive impact on my life. She gushed with joy too, seeing my wife and children, and showing them photos from when she was a little girl in Germany, the heartbreak of experiencing the Holocaust, her pride of converting to Judaism, to the day I left for college with a photo in front of their house at 9:45 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1974.
I began calling mom on her birthday ever year as she aged, and when I’d say, “Hi mom!” she’d melt and say, “Oh, my Ricky!” Those words and her voice will remain with me forever.
I just learned of mom’s passing today. Monika called and texted. I didn’t answer because I knew. I’ve spent the last several hours grasping the news, knowing for years the time would come when I’d see Monika’s name appear on my phone to tell me mom passed. When Monika called this morning, I knew. My heart sank. I thought of her enthusiastic voice when I’d call her, and saying every time, “You never forget about me my Ricky.”
I thought about our conversations at the dinner table, how she’d build my confidence by knowing I’d overcome my speech impediment. I remember seeing her walking home from work Nov. 22, 1963, the day JFK was assassinated, tears running down her cheeks.
She’d scold me too, occasionally, as a mother does, when she caught me, Mike and Jeff skipping school and playing poker at the kitchen table. You should’ve seen our shocked expressions when she walked in early from work. Or when we were caught slipping into a chemical company near our house to check out all the scientific experiments. Or when Jeff threw me a fastball that shattered a window at the house. Or when Jeff ran to Mike and I on the first day of school in 1964 and jumped on the branch of a rain soaked tree, with an avalanche of water drenching little first grader Mikey, who burst out in tears and ran to mom, who scolded Jeff, dried Mike, and drove him to school so he wouldn’t be late. I still crack up by that memory.
So here we are today, two days after mom’s passing, rekindling these cherished moments, sighing, smiling, tears in my eyes.
People say rest in peace in moments like this. Well, I know firsthand that she will, knowing the wonderful life she lived, the wonderful children she raised, and the impact she had on the shuddering little boy from across the street.
Love you forever mom.
Ricky.
Monika, So very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cindy & Paul
My sincere condolences to the entire family especially Monika who is a dear friend who I have seen Lovingly care for her dear mother In the most amazing way. It was a joy to see her walk the neighborhood with her walker taking a walk stopping by her daughter’s home for a little beverage and chat. A truly inspirational woman the world is a sadder place without her. Hopefully her family will find comfort and cherish all the memories.
Dear Monika,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We know how close you were to your Mom and how dedicated you were in caring for her needs. Know that she is at peace and her memories will be with you forever.
Dear Monika, Jeff, Michael and the rest of your family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am truly sorry that I was unable to attend. Your mother was deeply loved by all of her friends and I truly enjoyed calling and speaking with her on occasion. She was a very dear friend of our family and especially my mother. She always had a positive outlook on life and will truly be missed. My love to all of your family.
I knew Rose as the very sweet neighbor who walked by my house every day to visit her daughter. I walk outside just to greet her and had many delightful conversations with her.
My heart aches know that I will not speak to Rose again.