Sophie Ciecwisz

It is with great sadness that the family of Sophie Ciecwisz announces her passing. Sophie, 91, of North Plainfield, NJ, passed away gently on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at her home with family at her side. Born September 21, 1932, in Newark, NJ, Sophie’s journey was marked by unwavering dedication to her family. She was the beloved wife of Edward Ciecwisz, with whom she shared an enduring love that began at East Side High School in Newark and continued for 58 years of marriage.

Together, they raised a family that included 4 children. Mourning her departure are her three surviving children, Gregory and his wife, Justyne of Northampton, PA, Ray and his wife, Debbie of Branchburg, NJ, Gloria George and her husband, Walter formerly of Asbury, NJ and her late son Ed. Jr’s. wife, Wendy Ciecwisz, of Glen Gardner, NJ. She was Grandma to 12 grandchildren whom she loved very much, (Dillon, Denver, Jenna, Christine and Ryan, Alyssa and Kate, Jennifer and Kolby, Damien, Tanner and Montanajo) as well as 5 great grandchildren. Sophie is predeceased by her husband, Edward Ciecwisz, in 2010, her eldest son, Edward Ciecwisz Jr. in 2020, her brother-in-law, John Ciecwisz Jr. in 2022 and half-brother, Anthony Rentowicz in 2003 and by her parents, Anthony and Jennie Pieturnski. Sophie’s mom was from Harrison, NJ and her dad immigrated from Poland.

Sophie was raised in Newark. After marrying and having children, she and Ed began raising their young family there. In 1960 they moved their family to Plainfield, NJ. They enjoyed 12 years in Plainfield then relocated to North Plainfield, where she resided happily with family for her remaining 52 years.

Sophie had a wonderful attribute of greeting all with a big smile and cheerful pleasantries. She was a great conversationalist who would have laughs with anyone anywhere she went. She had a quick wit and could easily make you smile. She was a friendly, approachable person with whom it was very easy to talk. Sophie was a practicing Catholic, dedicated to attending mass weekly at Saint Joseph’s Church in North Plainfield and summer mass at Church of the Visitation in Brick. While living in Plainfield, she was an active parishioner in St. Mary’s Church. She made friendships there that lasted her lifetime. The last few years, she would stream mass and receive Communion at home.

Sophie had many passions in life. First and foremost was her love for family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings and especially loved holidays and celebrations. On Thanksgiving, she would dress in pilgrim attire while hosting dinner for over 14 family members. At her Easter Sunday dinner, she would hold an Easter Egg hunt for her many grandchildren. As her grandchildren aged, she would easily entice them to continue this tradition by modifying the rules, and by hiding special gold and silver eggs. She made Christmas special with an outdoor nativity scene, beautifully decorated home, her traditional holiday dinner and her generosity, and most importantly her overwhelming love for all.

She was a wonderful cook preparing a variety of foods to meet any occasion. She prepared meals daily for her visiting family and would enjoy several cups of coffee throughout the day. She would eagerly go anywhere with her family, always up for outings and adventure. She loved the company of her family and continued to enjoy local trips with them until recently.
 

Professional Sophie worked for Azoplate in Murray Hill and American Hoechst-Celanese Corporation in Branchburg, NJ where she was the executive secretary to the vice president. The corporation was German owned, and during this time, Sophie developed her love of German wine and would cheerfully compliment any meal with her favorite white Riesling. After leaving corporate work, she became a realtor for Weichert for a short period, handling first time home purchases for three of her children and their spouses.

Sophie was also a Frank Sinatra fan and would share a captivating story of skipping school as a high school student to attend his concert at the Bradford Theater in Newark. She explained how a young Sinatra came to a stop in the aisle next to her and completed his song while singing directly to her. Her experience was wonderfully narrated, and all enjoyed listening to her story. She also enjoyed dancing the Polish polka in early years, and listening to singers Dean Martin and Tony Bennet was another of her lifetime joys.

Sophie was a skillful photographer capturing wonderful photos of a variety of subjects, locations and of course family members. Her photos earned awards in local newspaper contests over the years. Ahead of her time in the 1970’s, she would attend her children’s athletic games recording the action with her 8mm film video camera. She would also surprise family by sketching detailed drawings while relatives went about unaware that they were the subject of her artistic work. Her latest surprise drawing completed not long before she passed was of her daughter Gloria.

Sophie was a lifelong NY Yankee fan always excited to watch her favorite team on tv. From the 60’s to current teams she knew all the players. Her love of watching baseball began in Newark in the late 1940’s while attending games in which Ed would play. She cheered for all her children and grandchildren at their sports events, and would occasionally offer astute post game comments on performances.

Sophie enjoyed summer. She and Ed purchased their dream second home in 1978 in Brick, NJ on the Metedeconk River. She cherished that residence and all the joyful family experiences for 46 years. She opened their home to all, creating an inviting and loving atmosphere while hosting wonderful gatherings and sleepovers. She loved the outdoors and would spend the entire day enjoying her place on the river, sunning, crabbing, cooking and marveling at the beautiful sunsets over the water. She enjoyed boat rides, and loved sitting on her deck watching passing boats often commenting how beautiful things were and how lucky she was. She spent much of her summers with family having fun at her shore home. She had a lifelong love for the Jersey shore and honeymooned in Atlantic City in 1952. She often spent time relaxing at the beach and at the Manasquan Inlet in Point Pleasant, NJ.

Sophie enjoyed a long, healthy and happy life and was truly blessed. She was never without her family by her side. While saying goodbye to her is difficult, we celebrate a life well lived-a life of caring for family, a life full of laughter, and always with an abundance of love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7th at 9:30 am at St. Joseph's Church, North Plainfield.  Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, NJ.  Visiting hours will be held on Friday, September 6th from 3-7pm at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, should you be inclined, the family kindly requests donations in Sophie’s memory be made to any charity which you support.

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