Isabel M Slavinskas

Isabel M. "Betty" (Jankauskas) Slavinskas, 97, of Worcester, passed away peacefully, on Friday, November 7, 2014, in Knollwood Nursing Center. Her loving husband of fifty-five years, John J. Slavinskas, predeceased her in 1995. Isabel is survived by a son, Daniel P. Slavinskas and his wife Deborah of Worcester; three daughters, Diane T. Desroches of Leicester, Susan A. Sheridan and her husband Philip of Norton, and Bonita M. Jarvela and her husband Alan of Gardner; eight grandchildren, Fr. Jonathan Slavinskas of Saint Joseph Parish in Charlton, Amy Whittemore and her husband James of Worcester, Beth Ann Slavinskas of Holden, Christopher Slavinskas of Worcester; Justin Desroches of Southbridge, Jessica Desroches of Woonsocket, Jaime Desroches of Leicester, and Jason Desroches and his wife Shanna of Brookfield; four great grandchildren, Hunter-jade, Mikayla, Kyle, and Logan; as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers, Simon, Joseph and John Dirsa, a reunion eternally cherished. Isabel was born and educated in Worcester, and was the daughter of Iganatius and Marianna Dirsa. At the age of four, she was adopted by Jacob and Petrone Jankauskas. Having survived two strokes, Isabel was a woman of incredible resourcefulness and determination; with a gregarious personality and with a love of baking, gardening, animals, puzzles and painting. Calling hours for Isabel will be held on Tuesday, November 11, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint John's Church, 40 Temple Street, Worcester; with her grandson, Father Jonathan Slavinskas, as Celebrant. Interment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Activities Department at Knollwood Nursing Center, 87 Briarwood Circle, Worcester, where Betty spent her final years in their nurturing care; or to Saint John's Church, Food for The Poor, 40 Temple Street, Worcester.