OSTROWSKI, Sophie

Sophie was gently carried into heaven in the loving arms of her husband, Walter, on Monday, September 26, 2016 at the age of 94. She died peacefully, with the same dignity and grace with which she lived her life. Predeceased by her mother, the late Alexandra Szczepanek, she will be dearly missed by her loving daughter, Sonya Masotti (Gino). Sophie was an amazing Babcia to grandchildren Desiree Ostrowski (late Ron Lusterio), Melissa Ogden (Jim) and David Masotti, as well as a devoted and cherished Cookie Babcia to great-grandchildren Alexandre and Tabris Lusterio. She was a shining example of strength and determination throughout her life and her indomitable spirit and inner strength will forever be remembered by all who knew her. Sophie was born in Wloclawek, Poland, on August 2, 1922, and she imigrated to Canada from Poland at the age of 14. She graduated from the Sault Technical High School, where she was the captain of the basketball team. In 1944, she married Walter, who predeceased her in 1976. When she decided that it was time to work outside the home, she became a cocktail waitress at the Empire Hotel, now the Holiday Inn Express. She loved this job and the people she met, and stayed there for over 20 years. Following her husband's death, she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse and, upon graduation, worked at the General Hospital, mostly in the chronic ward. After her retirement, she continued to care for patients in their homes through St. Mary's Nursing. She was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for over 30 years at Precious Blood Cathedral, first at the Sunday night mass, then at the 11 am mass on Sunday. She was so proud to have this honour of giving communion to the people. She loved to play cards and this was a weekly ritual after Sunday dinners with family. In her later years, she became an actress, acting in many of the movies filmed here, and in 2013, she filmed The Masked Saint, in which she played a disgruntled parishioner, a special role created by the director, just for her, and named Sophia. Her talents also included singing with The Senior Singers and visiting nursing homes at Christmas and in the Spring to entertain the residents. Her infectious smile, her abundant energy, her deep religious beliefs and her unselfish love for her family knew no bounds. She had a positive effect on everyone who knew her. Rest in eternal peace, precious one, and God bless you. You will be forever remembered with love, pride and thanksgiving by your family. We are so privileged to have been such an important part of your life. You will be in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers until we meet again in heaven, where we will finally be together forever. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 6 – 9 pm.  Funeral Mass from Precious Blood Cathedral on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10 am.  Rev. Hamish Currie officiating.  Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lusterio Childrens Education Trust Fund, in care of & checks payable to “MacDonald & Poitras Law Firm in trust”. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.