Sophie M. Gut Kaczmarek

      “Anything is possible.” That is what Sophie M. Kaczmarek believed about life. She was a creative woman, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting her. She had faith in her ability to find those solutions. Sophie thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. She possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Sophie was a person who believed that she could achieve whatever she set out to do.

       Her parents were Jan (John) and Agnes Gut. Sophie was raised in Back of the yards neighborhood-St. Joseph Parish Chicago, IL. She showed her ingenuity even as a child. When she was confronted with a problem, Sophie could develop an imaginative solution, and she derived satisfaction from knowing she had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Sophie's family relationships. Sophie has two surviving sisters. She has an older sister Stephanie and a younger sister Frances. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Sophie was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young girl, Sophie could be found building and inventing new and different things. She was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Sophie took part in volleyball, softball, swimming and bowling.

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how her world worked, Sophie enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Sophie was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. She graduated from Lindblom High School in 1941. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      Sophie was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around her. Always interested in her friends’ activities and interests, Sophie was uncritical of her acquaintances. She was sought after by people who recognized that she was generous with her time and energy, and these same friends found Sophie to be very stimulating company. Sophie's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around her. She enjoyed playing cards with her girlfriends monthly and held club. Her good friends Joanne, Alice, Loretta G. Loretta W. and others included Madelyn Lorden, Flora Windisch and Annie Fasano-bowling team at Ford City Lanes.

      On June 12, 1954 Sophie exchanged wedding vows with Marion Walter Kaczmarek at St. Joseph's Church of Chicago, IL. Sophie was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Sophie was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Sophie was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to her spouse’s needs. She was a vibrant personality and she enjoyed verbally sparring with Marion. In fact, those who knew her often remarked that Sophie loved to argue for argument’s sake. She was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Marion's.

      Sophie's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced her relationship with her child. She would create original, clever and fun games for her daughter Diane and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable. They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Ashley and James. Someone who was quick to laugh, Sophie found it easy to spend lots of time with her children, but she was never overbearing or guilty of pushing herself on them.

      As a born inventor, Sophie was definitely in her element in her work place. She could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Sophie was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. She could assess all of the options before her and, using her analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. Her personal initiative inspired those around her. Sophie was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. Her primary occupation was a payroll clerk and crdit union director. She was employed for 30+ years by Union Carbide/Viskase. Sophie always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Sophie's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for her. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Sophie was always searching for new and unusual activities, she developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things she became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew her, but most friends and family understood that Sophie simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. Her favorite pursuits were bowling, playing cards sat club and bingo.

      Sophie's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served her well in sports. Recreational sports included bowling. Sophie was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity.

      Sophie's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something she did throughout her life. She enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Sophie could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing her novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout her later years, Sophie was an active member of the Polish National Alliance.

      Sophie was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. Her keen interest and strong values led her to become active in her community. Serving on committees for the Polish Nation Alliance.

      Faith and religion were important to Sophie. She was a member of St. Joseph then St. Nicholas of Tolentine, then St. Bede the Venerable and also Holy Trinity.

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Sophie. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Sophie to expand her ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Europe, Poland and Alaska Cruise.

      Sophie was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sophie's favorites was a mutt named Angel. They were best friends for 15 years or so. Her family was rounded out by her beagle named Lady and other dogs during childhood.

      Even while in retirement, Sophie never stopped exercising her inventive talents, and this new phase of her life provided new opportunities for stimulating her interests. In retirement, she found new pleasure in her grandchildren. Even in retirement, Sophie continued to stay in touch with her old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Sophie passed away on November 29, 2009 at Westmont Nursing and Rehab Center in Westmont,IL. Sophie fought a brave battle against dementia in addition to circulatory issues. She is survived by her daughter Diane (James); her grandchildren Ashely and James; sister Frances; nephews Donald Ragas, niece Cynthia Blaszak and sister-in-law Bernice Kaczmarek. Visitation Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 2 to 8 PM at Mount Auburn Funeral Home 4101 S. Oak Park Avenue; Stickney,IL. Funeral Services Thrusday, December 3, 2009 10AM Mass at St. Bede the Venerable 8200 S. Kostner; Chicago,IL. Sophie was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Justice,IL.

      During her lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Sophie. She met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Sophie was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around her could not. For Sophie, the traditional way of doing things fell short of her expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Sophie M. Kaczmarek, the fun of living her life could be found in the challenge.