Sophie Kozielski Brzezinski born June 1, 1924 went home to be with the Lord on July 1, 2020. She has joined Frank B Brzezinski, her husband of 67 years, and son Bernard F Brzezinski who was killed in Vietnam, in their eternal rest at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Her 96 years were full of adventure and a zest and love of life! She was born and grew up in Plymouth, PA and worked in a sewing factory there until she and Frank moved to Old Forge, PA to open Frank’s Jewelry Store. In 1963, the family moved to Clearwater, FL and has lived there ever since.
In her working years, she was employed in department stores including J M Fields and Montgomery Ward from which she retired. She was active in her church, “Light Of Christ Catholic Church” and participated with the “House of Prayer” organization. She also did a lot of volunteering at the Clearwater GED program as well as in Citizenship classes. She actually earned her very own Clearwater High School Certificate of Graduation in 2007, as during WWII she had been unable to complete her High School classes in order to go to work at a sewing factory to help with war efforts of sewing uniforms, flags and mosquito netting for the military.
A very patriotic citizen, Sophie was often seen dressed in her Red, White, and Blue outfits, and would portray Betsy Ross on patriotic occasions or Mrs. Claus at Christmas. But she was best known for her love of hats! And not just her own hats, but she even got to exchange hats with the Diocese Bishop! Sophie was the fashionista of fully accessorizing her outfits literally from head to toe, and rarely did she go out places without one of her over 100 hats!
Sophie leaves behind daughter Sally Ann Brzezinski of Clearwater FL, who cared for her for many years; also Sophie’s oldest son Frank Brzezinski Jr and wife Jena who live in Michigan, son Joseph Brzezinski and wife Rosalyn who live in Virginia , daughter Mary Packnick and husband Gary who live in New Hampshire and son Thomas Brzezinski and his wife Pam who live in South Dakota.
She was an awesome and loving Grandma to James Brzezinski, Bernard Brzezinski, Christopher Brzezinski, Frank Brzezinski and Tom Brzezinski, and Aaron Packnick, David Packnick, Steven Packnick and Christine Packnick Cyphers, and their spouses, as well as a Great Grandma to Braddock Brzezinski, and Evelyn, Isla and Hunter Packnick. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews that she loved as if they were her own children.
Sophie loved God and did her best to pray for family and friends, often spending the early hours of the day praying. She loved her family and always encouraged them to go after their dreams. She loved her country and was proud to be an American.
She was loved by all and will be missed greatly.
Not only my Aunt but also my Godmother! Loved by my whole family! Many memories with my children and grandchildren. Always welcomed everyone as though they were her own. Learned so much from her. Love and Hugs Carol, Chuck, Lu Ann, Christina, Michele, Lisa, Gerard, Haley and Charlie
Hi Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. You mom left
So sorry to hear of your loss. I didn’t know her very well, but she had an interesting, productive life.I know she is looking down on us from heaven.
Sophie and my mother Josephine Degavage grew up on Pierce Street in Plymouth, PA. We got to know Sophie through my mom. She was a sweet, loving person who cared about everyone. We visited Sophie and her family in Clearwater several times over the years. We were always welcomed and our children enjoyed swimming in her pool. We loved her and will miss her. Rest In Peace, Sophie.j