ESTELLE RYBINSKI

ESTELLE RYBINSKI, 92

LAKELAND - Estelle Rybinski of Lakeland, Florida passed away on May 1, 2016, at age 92. Mother of nine, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of five, she leaves behind a legacy of generosity, curiosity, and humility.
Born Stanislawa Barbara Ogorzelec to Polish immigrants in Chicago and called 'Stasha' by family members, Estelle received her 'American' name from her sister when she was a teenager. The youngest of five, she started first grade at the age of five, joining her brother at school rather than remain home alone. Although she graduated near the top of her high school class at the age of 16, college was not an affordable option. Instead, she entered the work force.
At the age of 23, Estelle married a young man from the Polish neighborhood, Marion Rybinski, and the couple moved to Lakeland shortly afterwards. With the birth of her first child in 1947, Estelle began the career for which she was best known-loving mother. Though Estelle herself never attended college, she maintained a household that placed high value on education, with all nine children attending college and earning degrees. She kept her own mind sharp by doing crossword puzzles-up to three a day-and playing Scrabble with anyone willing to take her on.
Estelle also valued travel, and she took advantage of every opportunity to satisfy her curiosity by experiencing other cultures. She traveled to Mexico as a Girl Scout leader; joined a church group on a journey to Poland; and traveled to the Holy Land in Israel with Marion to renew their wedding vows. She also took advantage of having children living overseas to visit New Zealand, Japan, and Poland again.
In providing regular meals for a family of 11, Estelle expertly honed her skills as a gourmet chef, mastering everything from Italian lasagna to Polish pierogi to Cajun shrimp creole. Her hospitality and generosity were always on display whenever someone dropped by in the late afternoon; guests were always expected to stay for dinner, whether announced or not. She will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege to spend time with her.
Estelle was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland. With five daughters, she was also active in the local Girl Scouts organization.
Estelle is survived by her children Susan (Scot) Norton, Margaret Vickers, Phyllis (Ed) Lubbers, Mark Rybinski, Andrew (Jennifer) Rybinski, Claudia (Rick) Ward, Matthew (Kristy) Rybinski, Paul (Emilie) Rybinski, and son-in-law Alan Ruby, as well as eight grandchildren (Stephen, Monica, Seth, Jodi, Gabriel, Isabelle, Colette, and Holly), and five great grandchildren (Caleb, Luke, Finn, Shepherd and Henry). She is preceded in death by her husband Marion Rybinski and daughter Martha Rybinski.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Academy (www.stjoelakeland.org) or the Southern Scholarship Foundation
(www.southernscholarship.org) in the name of the Rybinski Family Scholarship. The visitation and Rosary will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland on Friday, May 20, 1:30 p.m., with a funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow.