On October 22, 2010, Isabella Helen Mecinski, 78, died peacefully at home in
Towson from complications associated with pancreatic cancer. She was the family historian, keeper of records, and exceptional at identifying and tracking the extended family genealogy both within the United States and Poland. Vibrant, full of life, she had an unbelievable memory and was never afraid to speak her mind.
She had a wonderful social life including friends of all ages.

Born and raised in Northeast Baltimore, she attended the Clifton Park Junior High and Eastern High School. She lived in that area for 64 years prior to moving to The Ridgely Condominiums in Towson. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at the Ridgely especially her friends and the pool. She enjoyed the opera and listening to the Saturday afternoon broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera Company since a teenager.

She was a staunch member of the Polish Students Association, and in 1950 was crowned the PSA May Queen. In later years she would serve as the Chairman of the annual events which attracted many Polish-American professionals and former members. In 1984 The East Baltimore Guide stated "Under the leadership of Isabella Mecinski, the ball evolved into one of the best attended events of the Polish community." Exceptionally proud of her Polish heritage, she was a member of the Polish Heritage Association of Maryland for 30 years. In 1975 she was declared "Preserver of Tradition" and Polonia's Lady of the Year by said organization. The Polish Community Association of Baltimore recognized her in 1987 for her work with the youth of their community in helping preserve the Polish culture and heritage.

She sang for years in the many Polish choirs, and in 1966 she sang on WBAL-TV representing Poland for their Christmas Around the World special. Following a competitive audition in 1960, she became a member of the Baltimore Civic Opera, later known as the Baltimore Opera Company. She performed in 35 Operas from 1960 to 1978 and performed with such notables as Anna Moffo, Beverly Sills, Placido Domingo, and Norman Treigle. She performed in the 1976 opera "Ines de Castro". This was a major operatic event and featured Richard Stilwell, James Morris and Lili Chookasian.

After 31 years of dedicated service she retired in 1983 from the Enoch Pratt Free
Library as the Head of the Binding and Preparation Department and was known for her superb organizational skills and quality of work. Following retirement, she enjoyed attending concerts and events in and around Baltimore. She was a volunteer at Franklin Square Hospital for over 7 years and St. Joseph Medical Center.

She also pursued another great passion, travel. A woman ahead of her time, this independent and adventuresome dynamo travelled to 22 countries and 14 states over the span of 40 years beginning in 1951. At age 24 she traveled with her good friend Jane Thompson to Europe on the Queen Mary for a seven country excursion. Her trips took her through Western & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the West Indies, Canada, Mexico, and across the continental U.S.

A memorial gathering is being held at 11 am Friday, November 26th at Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, Towson MD. She will be interred privately with family at Holy Rosary Cemetery.

She is survived by her brother Adam Mecinski Sr. and was the loving Aunt of Fredric Iwanowski and wife Colleen; Alexander Mecinski and wife Suzan; Janice Mentzer; Stanley J. Mecinski, Jr and wife Robin; Mark Mecinski and wife Krista; Dr. Adam Mecinski Jr; Basia and husband Dr. Bradley Carpentier; nine great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece, a great-great nephew, loving god-daughters Susan Filar and Edith Pula and many friends and relatives. Preceded in death by her parents Franciszek (Frank) and Bronislawa (Bertha) Mecinski; sister Cecilia Iwanowski, brothers Thaddeus Mecinski and Stanley J Mecinski Sr. and nephew Dr. Michael Mecinski. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation (Cancer Institute), 7601 Osler Drive, Towson MD 21204-7582 or the Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350 Hunt Valley MD 21031 with a note indicating that the donations are in memory of Isabella H. Mecinski.