Saratoga Springs, NY - Isabella Palmer Pilkey, passed away Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
Mrs. Pilkey was born July 24, 1913, in Peterhead, Scotland, and immigrated to Ames, Iowa, in 1916. In 1936 she received her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. After her graduation, she worked in Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York until her marriage to the late Thomas A. Pilkey in 1939. Before she moved to Saratoga Springs in 2007, Isabella was an active member of Calvary Presbyterian Church on Staten Island, joining the church in 1950. She was ordained as a Ruling Elder of Calvary in 1975 and served in that capacity for several years. She also sang in the church choir and was the President of the Women’s Missionary Guild. She served as the Spiritual Life Secretary for the Women’s Organization of the New York City Presbytery.
Music was an integral part of Isabella’s life. In addition to performing, often as a soloist, in high school and college and in the Calvary Church choir, she sang for many years as a member of the Richmond County Choral Society. She frequently attended the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Most recently, she enriched church services at Woodlawn Commons with her beautiful soprano voice. She sang with her family at every opportunity and passed on her love of music to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Isabella was a lover of nature and a dedicated gardener. She was particularly knowledgeable regarding flowers, plants and birds and her enthusiasm for the outdoors has also been passed on to her children and their families. In her senior years, Isabella served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and FISH, an organization which provides transportation for homebound individuals in need of medical services. In 2007, Isabella moved from Staten Island to Woodlawn Commons to be closer to her family. While at Woodlawn, she participated enthusiastically in all of the programs and activities and enlivened every occasion with her infectious good humor.
Her family expresses their deep appreciation for the loving care and attention she received from the staff at Woodlawn.
Isabella was a loving and devoted wife, mother grandmother and great-grandmother. Her most notable characteristic was her incredibly positive outlook and “joi de vivre.” It’s been said that no one carried and spread as much joy as Isabella.
Isabella is survived by her children, George (Melissa) Pilkey and Rita Sciallo; grandchildren, David Pilkey, Peter Sciallo, Bruce Pilkey, Matthew Sciallo, Jennifer Hendricks and Cameron Pilkey; 15 great-grandchildren; and a niece, Margaret Magruder.
A celebration of Isabella’s life will be held at a future date to be announced.
Donations in Isabella’s memory may be made to Calvary Presbyterian Church, 909 Castleton Ave., West New Brighton, Staten Island, NY 10310 or to The Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort, NY 12831.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
