My Babcia was the strongest person I knew. She loved us all unconditionally and we could never do anything wrong in her eyes. She could turn an afternoon at Woodstock into a relaxing vacation, a thrilling adventure, or even an all you can eat Polish buffet. 

I will always remember the littlest things like sitting at the kitchen table with Babcia watching reruns of Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune. Asking Babcia every five minutes if she wants another cup of tea. The trips to Dairy Mart and after spending a long day at Lake Geneva, being welcomed back by a meal made my Babcia which as she would always say was “cooked with lots of love.” And of course our short nightly calls just to check up on each other. 

I will forever be grateful for Babcia sharing her love of cooking with me and teaching me to make her delicious foods from her heartwarming Kotlety to her mouth-watering Blueberry Crumble Cake. Not only did she teach me to cook, but she also taught me about my faith. One of Babcia’s and my favorite memories was when I was little and spent the night with her. The first thing I would always do was curiously look for her rosary under her pillow so I could play with it while she prayed us to sleep.

A teacher, a chef, a role model, and a warrior. She was all of these things, but most of all, she was my Babcia and I was her little “Buziaki.”

After years of so lovingly and tirelessly caring for us, you can finally rest now Babcia.  Words cannot describe how much I miss you but I’m so glad that you are reunited with Dziadzia. 

Love you always, 
Joe

Babcia, Babc, Babci — we knew her by many names, but never Sophie. Babcia had nothing but love for us and showed it every chance she could, leaving us with memories that could fill a book, not just this page.

Whether it was long walks on the beach searching for seashells in forbidden places, or scooping up errant golf balls from the sea, we enjoyed every minute together. Walks through Shabbona Park weren’t complete without a stop at Miara’s Deli, where Babcia would get her turkey sliced paper-thin and proudly show off her grandsons from The Bahamas.

In Woodstock we loved walking or riding bikes to the creek, helping in the garden, and goofing off in the backyard. It didn’t matter whether we were baking with Babcia, gaming with the Hrodey girls, or having an intense wiffleball tournament — the nights were always filled with amazing meals, where Babcia insisted we eat more, more, more.

Summers and winters were spent in Woodstock throughout our childhood, and I’m grateful for every family gathering, Christmas, Birthday, memory, and lesson along the way.

I’ll never forget our adventures to Cabbage Beach, Shell World, Niagara Falls, and even that time we somehow ended up in Dallas by accident.

Love you forever Babcia.

-Matty

While I knew Sophie and Florian much longer than Karl and the girls, we will miss their presence in Woodstock dearly.  From the day they moved in next door, Sophie and Florian came to be a bonus set of grandparents for Lauren and me.  Florian and Sophie were always ready and willing to help my parents with babysitting us or anything else that was needed. Sophie never missed a chance to send over food when someone was sick or just because. Usually, it was just because.  As Lauren and I got older, we cherished the invites from Sophie to come over to make pierogies, paczki, chrusciki  and more. I’m grateful that she shared her pierogi knowledge with us although Lauren and I are not sure which is the actual recipe. The written one she shared with us does not match the one provided the one afternoon a couple of years ago when she came to my parents’ house to teach us and our kids how to make them.  My daughters still laugh at how Grandma Joanne’s kitchen tools were not quite up to Sophie’s standards or how she trash-talked Aunt Lauren’s pierogi making skills, telling her that Natalie was doing a better job. I’m glad that our kids and husbands got a chance to get to know Florian and Sophie when we were back visiting Woodstock.  Our deepest sympathy to Harriet, Ziggy, George, Chris, Mark and their families over the loss of Florian and Sophie in the last year.  You all have two wonderful, reunited angels to watch over you. I’m sure one will quickly find a way to make her opinions known to you and the other will quietly shake his head and tell her to “calm down, it will be fine”.  We are sorry we will not make it to Chicago next week but know that our thoughts and hearts are with you all.  Heather, Karl, Natalie and Evelyn Haemig

You were the most selfless Mother and Grandmother. From the day I met you that was always clear. You always had food going and couldn’t wait to share with the Family.  From polish delicacies to chicken cutlets. There is nothing you wouldn’t give or do for us all. You made me feel loved and cared for right from the beginning and it was definitely mutual. Will always look back on our memories with joy. Will never make raisin bread and not think of you.  You taught me so many things. Until we meet again.

Babcia was a incredibly special lady. From the day I met her she treated me as if I were her grandson. Whenever she visited Nassau, she would tote me along with Adam, Matthew and David to the beach for hours on end then we couldnt not leave PI without stopping for ice cream. Even though she was the sweetest lady you ever could possibly meet I always said if you crossed her the wrong way you would be playing with your life. She was strong as a ox but her hands made magic in the kitchen. Anything she made tasted like heaven, thank God that passed down to Mummy Russell as I am always down to eat a meal at her table! It was a blessing to know her for 20+ years and I thank God she was a part of my life growing up. May you rest in peace Babcia, the world is dimmer without you!

OBITUARY

Sophie Skrzypczak

November 6, 1935 – March 4, 2026

Malec & Sons Funeral Home

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