Sophie M. Shail

Sophie Marie (Franc) Shail, 96, died on August 15, 2017 at Maplewood at Newtown. Sophie was the middle child of eight children born to Albert and Mary Franc on the family farm in Stony Hill, Bethel, CT on October 27, 1920.

Sophie married Joseph W. Shail, Sr. on June 29, 1946. Together they raised 3 children and enjoyed 37 years of marriage before his passing. She lived at their Coalpit Hill home for over 70 years.

At the age of 81, Sophie retired from Rogers Park Junior High School where she was the head cook for over 30 years. She made sure that every child (especially those in need) left the cafeteria with a full belly, even if that contradicted the regulated portion size. She was adamant that no child would ever go hungry on her watch. She enjoyed cooking and baking many Polish dishes enjoyed by all. Sophie will also be remembered for her timely use of vivid Polish words and phrases to describe life situations and comforts, which brought smiles to many faces.

Sophie is survived by two sons, Joseph W (Linda) Shail, Jr and Raymond E (Nancy) Shail; a son-in-law, Clifton Kolwicz; 9 grandchildren, Meghan (Gareth) Aylett, Maureen (Alonzo) Conlon; Joshua (Tracy) Shail, Steven (Jennifer) Kolwicz, Christopher Kolwicz, Andrew (Kristin) Kolwicz, Daniel (fiancée Ashley) Kolwicz, Brian (Lorriann) Kolwicz, and Matthew Shail; 8 great grandchildren, Lily and Connor Aylett, Ava Conlon, Maya and Alexander Shail, Bryce Kolwicz, Carter and Caylie Kolwicz; sister, Anna Franc, brother Jacob Franc, and sister-in-law Rachael Franc.

Sophie was predeceased by her husband Joseph W. Shail, Sr, daughter Rita Ann Kolwicz, and grandson Joseph W Shail, III; four brothers, Stanley, Frank, Ambrose, and John Franc, sister Jadwega Chemilewski; and sister-in-law Hazel Franc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, August 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 46 Stone St., Danbury, where Sophie was a faithful communicant all her life. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

Friends will be received from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT

.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Danbury Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Rd, Danbury, CT 06810 or to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 46 Stone St, Danbury, CT 06810.