Obituary of Sophia Theresa Purcell

Sophia Theresa Sokolowski Purcell, 98 a resident of Bernalillo NM for the last five years and previously of Trenton NJ and Hamilton Township NJ for the previous 93 years passed into the care of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Sophia, a first generation Polish American citizen, was born in Trenton, New Jersey on September 30, 1925, to Anthony Sokolowski and Stanislawa Duda Sokolowski, one of nine children. Sophia was fiercely proud of her Polish heritage and worked hard all her life to carry on the Polish traditions, remaining fluent in speaking and writing Polish, with her sisters baking dozens of nut rolls, kiffles and Kruschiki for Christmas and of course sharing her golumpki with the whole family. Sophia was a loving mother, grandmother, and aunt and was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family, especially singing around the piano in the basement or playing Quoits at family barbecues during the summer. Sophia was a great wife and mother who was proud of her cooking, who kept an immaculate house, who made sure the girls were well dressed, oftentimes sewing clothes for the girls and making sure they had what they needed to be successful. Sophia was a spiritual woman who adored our Blessed Mother and spoke to her until the very end. Sophia died while receiving the last rites and had Mary by her side to welcome her into heaven. Sophia is predeceased by her parents Anthony and Stanislawa Sokolowski, her husband Mark Purcell, her partner Bill Beetle, her daughter Theresa Purcell Cone, her brothers Anthony Sokolowski, Ted Sokolowski, Walter Sokolowski, Edward Sokolowski, and her sisters Mary Toth, Helen VanCamp, Lottie Prato. Sophie is survived by her daughter Patricia Purcell Aguilar and husband Paul who cared for her until the end, her grandson, Andrew P. Aguilar and wife Samantha, her brother John Sokolowski and wife Rose, her sister-in-law Mary Sokolowski, her son-in-law Steve Cone, her very special nephew and niece Wayne and Marylou VanCamp and many nephews and nieces. Sophia's family would like to extend a special thanks to Monica Lovato and the staff at Casita Senior Living of Rio Rancho New Mexico. Their care of Sophia was second to none, the love and care they provided to mom is greatly appreciated. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Cemetery #02, Hamilton New Jersey on Saturday May 4, 2024, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, support your favorite charity in Sophia's name.