Sophia Sabatini

Sophia “Babe” Hajohn Sabatini is survived by her children Andrea (with spouse Michael), Raymond (with spouse Peg), and Karen; as well as her two grandchildren, Venus and Riley Sabatini; and now follows her husband, Dr. Raymond Joseph Sabatini (dec. 1975), to heaven. Sophia was born in 1930 in Queens. In her teens she helped raise her two older brothers when her father fell ill and her mother’s attention was needed for tending him. After graduating high school, Sophia was one of the first women in her neighborhood to get a job and a car, and she spent much time driving family members and neighbors wherever they needed to go. She was one of the first women to serve on the board of her Greek church. At work, she rose among the ranks to secretary of the President of General Mills Foods. In her 30’s she met her husband, fell in love, and became a stay-at-home mom until her husband’s passing after only 12 years of marriage. Now a widow with 3 young children and a home with a mortgage, Sophia went back to work - rising from a position of secretary at a Senior Center to becoming its Director. Along the way, she went to college - earning her BSW - and then graduate school - earning her MSW - and still found the time to host and cook for Christmas and Greek Easter extended family gatherings. Eventually Sophia gave up her long-time Directorship to become a central administrator at Catholic Charities, helping many more elderly people to get the services that supported and enriched their lives. When Sophia retired, many of her former bosses and colleagues from across her decades of service spoke about not knowing how they would get along without her at the helm. Sophia spent her post-retirement visiting with her grandchildren, acting as a volunteer advocate for the elderly, listening to Nana Mouskouri, reading mystery novels, and creating stained glass and hooked rugs. Sophia faced all of life's adversity with poise, dignity, & remarkable strength. She was the strongest woman we knew, and served as an inspiration to many.

A visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY, 11358, on February 17, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and will continue from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine Church, 196-10 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11358, on February 18, 2026, at 11:30 am followed by a committal service at Flushing Cemetery at 1pm.