Elsie C. Truszkowski

March 5, 1923 - December 29, 2020

Elsie Grandell Truszkowski, forever 39 at heart, died at the age of 97 in Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware of COVID related illnesses on December 29, 2020. Born Elisa Carmella Grandillo on March 5, 1923 in Wilmington, Elsie was the 6th child of 8 born to Pietro Grandillo and Carmella Vignola who immigrated to the United States as children in the early 1900’s. Both parents died at young ages. Elsie would remark that she barely remembered her father and that her mother, 28 years old with 8 children would play with her and her siblings much like another child. She missed knowing her parents throughout her life and told her own children, “Don’t cry for me when I am gone. I am going to see my mother and father and one day we will all be together.” So be it. A lifelong resident of Wilmington, Elsie, one of the “greatest generation”, travelled by train to Rossville, Georgia in 1943 to marry Staff Sergeant Danny Hazewski of her hometown. After their divorce in 1956 Elsie became a single mother with 2 sons. Those boys, Danny and Donnie, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the delight of her life. She was a tireless working Mom - an exemplary executive secretary, amazing her kids with her typing speed and cryptic shorthand. She retired from her final job with the City of Wilmington Water Department after 22 years. In 1964 Elsie married Stanley Truszkowski, 13 years her junior. They shared the ups and downs of life together in the same house in New Castle for fifty-four years. When Stan died in 2018, Elsie agreed to move to Somerford House in Newark where she joined her older sister Ann Rispoli, who recently died at the age 103. She grew to love her life at Somerford as it provided the respite and socialization she needed. Her voice will be missed at Music Bingo. Elsie loved her Italian roots and her big beautiful extended Italian family. Fun and funny, Elsie loved to entertain with a poem, a dance, a ghost story or a song. The Grandell sisters singing “Mr. Moon” or “Goodbye My Coney Island Baby” in close harmony is a memory cherished by generations of family. Elsie crocheted, proudly crafting an “heirloom” afghan for each baby and family member. Kit Kats, word puzzles, Rehoboth, Dolles Caramel Popcorn, Wheel of Fortune and “Stanley!” were special to her. Like a true Italian Mom, she would not rest until she was sure that you were well fed. Her meatballs, crab cakes and “spezztzod” were favorites. Elsie is loved and survived by her sons: Daniel Paul Hazewski (Janice) Glens Falls, NY, Donald Hazewski (Carole) Newark Delaware, her grandchildren; Daniel R Hazewski (Alison), Wendi M Hazewski, Christina Silva (Steve), Lisa Giampietro; her great-grandchildren; Daniel H Hazewski, Devin Hazewski, Christopher Silva, Jennifer Silva, Michael Giampietro, Gabriel Giampietro, Jacob Giampietro, Benjamin Giampietro; her sister Ellen Fucello (Daniel) and many, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of services a celebration of her life will be announced as soon as hugging is allowed; “Since the life I led was truly great, I want you all to celebrate.” In place of donations, Elsie and her family would ask that you take a moment to honor those who are dealing with and caring for patients with COVID. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home. Condolences will be welcome there at www.stranofeeley.com.