Friday, August 21, 2009

St. Stanislaus Kostka community loses Sophie Minkewicz

This morning I learned that the St. Stanislaus Kostka community and the village of Hastings-on-Hudson lost Sophie Minkewicz.

When I first moved to Hastings, I was struck by her beauty, friendliness and vitality. She was slender with brilliant white hair in a flattering cut. She was energetic, positive and had a great sense of humor. A friend of mine who was in her class in school pointed out Sophie in a group picture of their first Holy Communion. In the little girl you could see the special beauty that matured undiminished.

I haven't seen Sophie in several years, as she had been sidelined with illness, yet she has been on my mind and in my prayers, as the Holy Rosary Society has always kept her among our intentions and provided updates on her condition.

Tonight we will gather to pay our respects.

Read Sophie's obituary in The Journal News. I have also copied it in its entirety below:

MINEWICZ, SOPHIE C. (CHEMKA)
August 21, 2009

Sophie C. Minewicz (Chemka), a lifetime resident of Hastings on Hudson, NY and a retired secretary for the High School and Village Clerk died peacefully at home on August 19, 2009 at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Frank H. Minkewicz. Devoted mother of Frank R. Minkewicz, Francine Burke and Barba Perreault. Dear sister of Julius Chemka, Carolyn Ott and Josephine Miller. Also survived by seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Friends may call at the Hastings Funeral Home, 15 Spring St on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Matthew Church on Saturday at 10 AM. Interment Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Hastings Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the Jansen Hospice preferred. To light a candle or to offer words of comfort, please visit www.SinatraFFH.com