Sophie Balawajder

Sophie Balawajder, age 95, of Elizabeth Twp., died peacefully at home on July 13, 2023.  Born April 8, 1928, in Wilmerding, PA, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Apolonia (Szczypek) Lorenc and wife of the late Bruno Balawajder, to whom she was married for 44 years.  Sophie was a 67-year member of St. Mary of Częstochowa Church, now Mary, Mother of God Parish, Corpus Christi Church, in McKeesport, and was a past President of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.  She had a love of family and friends, her faith, and her Polish heritage.  Her activities included ceramics, quilting, volunteering for the church, and baking.  Her quilts are cherished keepsakes for all her family members.  Many of the family celebrations had her cookies on the Cookie Table.
The family would like to thank everyone who made her years later in life comfortable by stopping by, making a phone call, or sending a birthday card.  Her long-term friends, known as the “Church Ladies,” always made her day, as well as her many nieces and nephews.  Her caregivers also are to be recognized for the comfort they provided.  Sophie is survived by children, Chuck (Jeanne), Cindy DeFlavio (Dino), and Jim (Lori); nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her eight siblings, John (WWII Gold Star Recipient), Andrew (Mary), Mary Dembski (William), Stephanie, Lou (Ann), Edward (Courtney), Theresa Brzek (Stanley), and Patricia.  Family and friends will be received at Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 2 to 7 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Angela Merici Church; her Godson, Reverend Jon Brzek, will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Mary Polish Cemetery.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, 1640 Fawcett Ave, White Oak, PA 15131.  Chris Odasso, Supervisor

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