Obituary of Sophie Struniewski

Struniewski, Sophie  (nee Gosiewski), Age 95 of Cliffside Park.

Our beloved mother, Sophie Struniewski of Cliffside Park, died peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2019,  at the grand age of 95. Sophie was an extremely modest person whose beauty shown from within.  Those who knew her loved her.  She was the seventh child of Helen and Anthony Gosiewski, born April 26, 1924, in Shadyside, New Jersey.  She was predeceased by seven of her siblings: Mary (Frank and Edward), Antoinette (Stanley), Walter (Margaret), Alexander (WWII hero/casualty), Catherine (Edward), John (Camille), and Joseph.  She was also predeceased by her husband Stanley and infant son, Joseph.

         When Sophie’s husband Stan passed away at the young age of 43, she prayed to God for the inner strength to raise her three children well, and she succeeded, managing to provide a lifetime of emotional, spiritual and financial support.

          Coming from a large family was a blessing and Sophie was beloved by all.  During the Depression, the Gosiewski family lived on a farm in Southampton, NY.  After graduating from Southampton High School, Sophie returned to Fairview, NJ to help her sister Mary raise her children.  She remained a Jersey girl for the rest of her life.

           Sophie is survived by her daughter, Barbara O'Brien (Edward), sons Steven and Richard (Sally). She was the beloved Babci (grandmother) of Matthew (Kaitlyn), Louis (Jenna), Daniel (Jenna) and Stephanie (partner Craig).  Sophie lived long enough to celebrate the birth of her first great grandchild, Ava Grace.  She is also survived by her sister Jennie and sister-in-law, Anita.

          Sophie loved her family, God, and food.  She was a legendary baker and cook.  She loved to sing and dance, as well as gamble in Atlantic City.  She was happiest with family, preparing them a home cooked meal.  Her three main careers were as an employee of Bendix during World War II, the mother of three children, and a clerk in Prentice Hall.

            A most special thank you goes out to her wonderful aide of six years, Rita. Without her, Sophie would never have been able to remain in her own home.

             Please celebrate the life of a remarkable lady.  Calling hours 4-8 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at Konopka Funeral Home, 9046 Palisade Avenue, North Bergen, NJ. Funeral at Sacred Heart Church, 9034 Barr Place, North Bergen, NJ at 10 am, Saturday, November 23, 2019. Interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Hackensack, NJ.

             In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.