Obituary of Sophie E. Sypek

Sophie E. Sypek, 94, of Lawrence Township passed away on January 12, 2012 after a short illness at St. Francis Medical Center surrounded by her son and daughter-in-law. Sophie was a lifelong resident of Mercer County first living in Trenton before moving to Lawrence Township over 55 years ago. She graduated from Trenton Central High School and the Heimbach Business School. Her first job was at Borden Castena Dairy in Princeton. She then joined her sister Charlotte running a family business called the Family Tavern in Hamilton Township. Most of her time was spent raising her son Arthur and supporting her husband in his political career as a Mercer County Freeholder and Mercer County Executive. She was tireless in helping to support the important work her husband advanced on behalf of the Mercer County community. She was truly Mercer County’s “first lady” during his term. A devoted member of the Roman Catholic faith, Sophie was a life-long parishioner of St. Hedwig’s Church in Trenton. There she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society and the Parent Teacher’s Association. She loved to socialize with friends and family and was a member of the Polish Falcons Nest #59. She and her husband were staunch supporters of Catholic War Vets #417. They would attend Sunday dinner dances there with their best friends and was a memory she loved to retell. As a member of the Lady Luck Investment Club she made strong friendships that allowed her to travel worldwide. Of all her community interests she was most consumed by the pride she had in her family. She loved to talk of her children and grandchildren and their “accomplishments.” There was no better public relations effort for her family than her own “boasting” points. Her family is grateful for her ever-positive comments and attitude. She truly loved life and never complained no matter what adversity faced her. She was a woman of calm, grace, and dignity. Daughter of the late Peter and Emily Dembinski and sister of the late Charlotte Walinski and the late Helen Michalczyn, and aunt to the late Robert C. Walinski and wife of the late Arthur R. Sypek, former Mercer County Executive, she is survived by her son, Arthur R. Sypek, Jr. and daughter- in -law Judge Maria Marinari Sypek (Ret.) of Ewing, granddaughters Lauren E. Sypek, Esq. of New York City, and Abigail M. Sypek of Chicago, Ill. Also surviving are her loving nieces and nephew, Barbara Stoy, Carol Battaglia Jane Mesday and Donald Walinski. She is also survived by numerous grand nephews and nieces and by her dedicated caretaker, Wanda Bartnicka. Sophie’s funeral will be held on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 872 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ. Interment will be in St. Hedwig Cemetery, Ewing, NJ. Friends may call on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Anchor House, 482 Centre St., Trenton, NJ, 08611.