Claire S. (Bilski) Rydzik

 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Claire Sylvia Rydzik, 96, of Scottsdale, Arizona who died on April 15, 2025 after battling with complications related to Covid.

Born in Mayfield, Pennsylvania on July 31, 1928. Claire Bilski was the first child of Harry and Mary (Twardzik) Bilski. As a child of the Great Depression, Claire’s values and manners were shaped by the extreme hardships of the time, influencing her great love of family. That love developed into one of the main purposes of Claire’s life; caring for her family.

Claire married John S. Rydzik in 1948 and were married for 62 years until John’s death in 2010. They had four children, John, Rachelle, Mary and Jude. Mary died stillborn in 1956.

Claire was also preceded in death by her two brothers, Msgr. Eugene Bilski in 1990, and Sonny Bilski, in 1997.

Claire lived in numerous places due to John’s employment. Claire and family relocated to Syracuse, NY, Phoenix, AZ, Oklahoma City, OK, Sleepy Hollow, NY and was a resident of Easton, CT for more than 40 years. In her retirement years, she moved to Scottsdale to live with Rachelle.

Claire enjoyed reading, dealing with antiques, growing house plants, designing residential spaces, interior decorating and landscape design.  She had exquisite taste in clothing, jewelry and all her creations.

Claire is survived by her remaining children, John P. Rydzik and his wife Mary of Auburn, CA; Dr. Rachelle Rydzik of Scottsdale, AZ; Jude Christopher Rydzik and his wife Jean of Easton, CT; and sister Carole Steinke and her husband Ken of Scottsdale, AZ. Claire was blessed with three grandchildren, Jennifer Zetterstrom and Esther Rydzik (John), and Jack Harry Rydzik (Jude). She was blessed, too, with three great grandsons and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 3^rd, at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart of Mary Church, 624 Madison Ave., Jermyn with interment to follow in Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Friday, May 2^nd from 5 to 7 PM at the Joseph W Scotchlas Funeral Home, Inc. 621 Main St., Simpson.

For Directions of condolences visit: www.scotchlasfuneralhome.com

 

 

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Vincent de Paul or BrightFocus Foundation (Macular Degeneration Research), in memory of Claire S. Rydzik.

 

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

4857 E. Greenway Road

Scottsdale, AZ 85254

https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/

 

BrightFocus Foundation

Macular Degeneration Research

22512 Gateway Center Drive

Clarksburg, MD 20871

https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/macular-degeneration-research/