Jean K. (Marks) Rybka

February 16, 1935 - December 26, 2020

YORKVILLE – Jean K. Rybka passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital with the love and support of her children, on December 26, 2020. Jean was born on February 16, 1935, in Utica, the eldest daughter of the late Samuel Marks and Elizabeth (Plante) Marks LaTour. She was a 1952 graduate from Utica Free Academy. On July 26, 1956, she married Joseph E. Rybka. He passed away on November 8, 1980. Jean worked at Utica Cutlery until she stayed home to raise her children. Once they attended school, she began work at Vicks Lithograph until her retirement in 1996. Her greatest love and achievements were raising her children and grandchildren, giving them all of her love and support. Jean was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, a member of Skiba Post, American Legion Whitestown Post #1113, Whitestown Senior Center and Christian Women's Club. When Jean wasn’t busy cooking her famous homemade baked beans, babysitting, and showing her big smile, she loved bus trips and cruises with friends and family vacations. Surviving Jean are her son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Susan Rybka of Manchester, CT, daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Jack Sitts of Whitesboro (where she resided), and son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Sandi Rybka of New York Mills. Her beloved grandchildren; Kelly Buffa (Mike), Melissa Jones (Tristan), Amanda Snizek, Bryan and Nicole Rybka, and Matthew and Meghan Sitts, and her great-granddaughter Taylor Buffa, as well as loved nieces, nephews, and cousins both local and away. She also leaves her brother, Robert Marks and sister-in-law Helen of Massachusetts, and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Maloney of Cohoes, NY and Anders Wahlander (Kathy) of Minnesota. Besides her parents and husband, Jean was predeceased by her older sister, Alice Ancona, younger sisters, Wilma Maloney and Katherine Wahlander and her beloved daughter, Judith Snizek. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass to be celebrated on January 16, 2021, at 12 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Private entombment will be in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum. Those wishing to attend Mass virtually may do so using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoeSalernoOLOL Special mention to her devoted caregivers; Jessica Critelli, Leah Patterson, and Patty Skelly, who gave their love to our mom and her in return. They are our angels here on earth. A thank you also to the St. Elizabeth’s 3C staff for showing love and compassion during such challenging times. Jean loved her St. Jude and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name. Arrangements are under the direction of McGrath, Myslinski, Karboski & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. “Bye now, Call me when you get home, so I know you're home safe.” As you always said, Mom, now you let us know you're home safe. To view Jean's tribute video please follow the link: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/PMCCR8ZY7ZTRK5BS