Isabel Nijole Smulkstys

Isabel Nijole Smulkstys, age 84, of Lakeside died peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began May 1, 1936 in Kaunas, Lithuania the oldest of two children born to Stepas and Stase Juodakis. She married Julius Joseph Smulkstys on June 18, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois.    

A native of Lithuania, Isabel immigrated to the United States with her father, mother and sister in 1948 in the aftermath of WW II. Her family settled in East Chicago, Indiana, joining the community of displaced Lithuanians who had moved to the greater Chicago area. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where she received a degree in chemistry. It was in Bloomington that she met her husband, Julius, a political science graduate student. After graduating from IU, she became a chemical researcher at Lever Brothers Company in Hammond, Indiana. She married Julius in 1960 and in July 1961 they had their first child, Inga. Their second child, Linas, was born In 1964. Isabel went on to earn a master's degree in education from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW) and she pursued a career as an accomplished and loved high school chemistry teacher. She taught for many years at both Bishop Dwenger High School and Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She retired from teaching in 1993 and moved to Lakeside, Michigan with her husband. In retirement, she visited Lithuania frequently, tended to her garden, and perfected her cooking skills to the great delight of her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Isabel will be greatly missed by family and friends.  She is survived by her daughter, Inga (Christopher Klose) Smulkstys of Washington D.C.; son, Linas (Katie) Smulkstys of Oak Park, Illinois; four grandchildren, Noah Klose of Washington D.C., Lina Klose of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jonas and Margot; one brother-in-law, Liudas (Ruta) Smulkstys of Lemont, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Danguole Brone Juodakis.

The family will observe a private remembrance. 

The family prefers contributions in memory of Isabel be made to Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center online at wewill.northwestern.edu/luriefy21.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks.  Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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