Obituary of Sophie Olaskiewicz

Sophia Olaskiewicz passed away on March 2, 2021 surrounded by close family. She was born to the late John and Stella Turnack on February 17, 1928 at a farm in Dorrance, PA. She left Pennsylvania and moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1946 to live with her big sister Irene. There she met her husband, Alexander, while working at Midwood Cushion, an upholstery shop. In 1971 she moved to Staten Island, where she became a beloved parishioner at the Church of Saint Rita. She later moved to Rock Hill, SC to live with family. Sophia was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 30 years, Alexander Olaskiewicz, Radioman 2nd Class, US Navy, by her son, Michael Olaskiewicz, and by her many brothers and sisters. She is survived by her son, Stephen Olaskiewicz, her brother Basil Turnack, her grandchildren Alex, Christopher & Katie Olaskiewicz, April Coggins and Andrea Jacques, and by her great-grandchildren, Joshua Olaskiewicz and Enzo Jacques. She is also survived by many friends and church members. She fondly remembered and admired her mother. She had plenty of memories to share about her life on the farm. Such as gathering fruits and vegetables for her mother to preserve. Sophia had an inquisitive mind and was a great conversationalist. She loved to learn new things. She was a scrabble master and enjoyed playing bingo. She was an amazing cook and loved to make pierogi, haluski, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa and sauerkraut for her friends and family. She was an avid fan of Archie Bunker and medical dramas like the show The Good Doctor. Sophia volunteered for years at St. Rita’s and ultimately served as president of the Golden Age Club. She enjoyed counting donations with Golden Age members at St. Rita’s. A Good Samaritan, Sophia donated regularly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Disabled American Veterans. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Church of Saint Rita, 281 Bradley Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd. Viewing will be held on Sunday, 3/14/2021, in the funeral home from 2:00 – 5:00 PM & 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, 3/15/2021 at 10:00 AM at the Church of Saint Rita, 281 Bradley Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314. Due to the current pandemic, all visitors must wear masks and social distancing will be enforced. Please understand there may be a short wait due to capacity limitations.