Sonya was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey on June 21, 1929 to the late Floyd and Louise Stein. A 1950 graduate of Douglass College, Sonya earned a bachelor's degree in social work. She dedicated 22 years of her career to public service starting as a case worker for the NJ State Bureau of Children’s Service in Morristown and retiring in 1986 as the Director of Welfare for the County of Sussex. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to the welfare of others positively impacted countless lives throughout her tenure.
As a resident of Branchville since 1953, Sonya became an integral part of her community. She served many years on the Branchville Board of Education and was a member of the Branchville Borough Historical Society, the Walpack Historical Society, the Lusscroft Farm Preservation Effort, and Project Self Sufficiency, where she was a vital founding member. Sonya also volunteered with Manna House in Newton, and was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sussex County. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication, warm spirit, and tireless efforts to improve her community.
Sonya leaves fond memories to her daughter Nancy Hulbert Popoloski and her husband Michael; her grandson Stephen Popoloski and his wife Amy; her granddaughter Kate Popoloski; her great-grandchildren Gordon and Abigail; and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Donald J. Hulbert, her parents Floyd and Louise Stein, her step-mother Margaret Stein; and her sister Susan Stein Stephens. Sonya was very proud of having descended from several families who were early settlers of Sussex County; the Laytons, Brinks, Everitts, Smith-Meyers, Tuttles and Phillips.
A memorial visitation for Sonya will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12 pm to 4 pm at Wood Funeral Home, 16 Main Street, Branchville, NJ 07826.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Branchville Borough Historical Society, Lusscroft Farm Preservation Effort, or Project Self Sufficiency.
