Sophie Pitrak Obituary

Just heard of Sophie's passing...We are so saddened. We being the "new" kids on the block in 1994 when we moved in were warmly welcomed by her. She also loved it when our daughters used to deliver her Suburban Life. Wish word would have gone down the block (Elm Ave) upon her passing.....would surely have loved to express our condolences to her family. May she now be at rest and at "home".

Today, Oct. 8, 2017 my heart aches as I have just found out that my friend, Lucille Pitrak died on June 6, 2017. Everything I have just read in the condolences sent by Lu's many friends, relatives could not be expressed more more precisely. I, along with some other friends met Lu while rollerskating at Millbridge Roller Rink in Lyons, Illinois around 1953. One evening this "stranger" joined us...she was about 10 years older then the rest of us we found out later. Lu never looked or acted her age in the sense that she was always a joy to be around. Her infectious laugh and cheerful smile gave one an uplifting feeling. Never negative in her thoughts. Later,(incl. Lu) about 6 of us ladies decided to form our own "club" where we would meet at each others homes once a month.
Of course, the "club" needed a name and we decided to call ourselves "The Suburbanites" We enjoyed our times together along with our roller skating and going out for pizza afterwards. Fun and innocent times. As the years went by life changed as it always does for us.
Many years later, after our children were grown we ended up seeing each other as a group on several occasions. That dwindled and I tried to keep the group intact, which was difficult to do. Someone was always "busy" with other things and couldn't make it. Perhaps some other time they'd say....unfortunately that "other time" never seems to really happen. However, Lu, was always ready when asked to join in for any get-togethers. Soon there was just Lu and I. We would try and get-together for lunch at least once a year. I tried calling Lu last week (Oct. 2, 2017)and got some sort of "busy signal". I thought, after trying several times...I wonder why I keep getting a busy- like signal on her phone. Today, I tried, and again the busy signal. It bothered me and prayed nothing had happened to her. But, after searching, I found that Lu had died on June 6, 2017 and also that her loving daughter Paulette had also died previously. I am crushed and today I mourn deeply. Because we all know that Lu was a true "Social Butterfly" I've come to the conclusion that Lu's telephone sounds a busy signal because Lu is still busy talking to her many friends and letting us all know that she is at Peace. and that perhaps the Good Lord has allowed her the use of her Cell phone. Hopefully, we should all know that God is in "charge" No more worries, no more grief. We'll all see you soon Lu. Much Sympathy to the family. She is missed.
Betty E. Bratschun, Villa Park, Illinois

My friend, Sophie, was an inspiration not only to me but to everyone around her. She was a ray of sunshine whenever she entered a room and her smile and laughter would bring out the same in you. I'm grateful to God that I was blessed to have known her and enjoyed her company on many occasions. Rest in peace, dear Sophie, and enjoy being with both Ben & Jerry again.

Sophie was a ball of radiance energy. EVERYWHERE we went someone always knew her. Her smile was contagious and her personality no other like her. Very detailed and made sure to remember everyone's birthday and keep them in her thoughts if ill. I had the privilege to be Sophie's caregiver. She didn't need me, she walked faster then i did! specially if their was a sale going on at Carsons. We shared so many good memories together. Sophie you will forever be missed and hold a special place in my heart. you taught me a lot of new things. Love you Soph! Diane & Lucille im so sorry for your loss. An angel has been called to take her place in Heaven.

Auntie Sophie always made me laugh. The stories she told me, my brother, and sister never failed to put a smile on our faces, and her own. She was feisty she had an awesome sense of humor. I'll miss her, as will so many others. We love you, Auntie Sophie!

Sophie was a great lady who was loved by everyone who knew her. Her big personality and great sense of humor always brightened up the day of whoever had the pleasure of being with her. She will be missed and is still loved by all.

My memory of Sophie is of Brownie Troop (#181) leader & monitor during the
hot dog luncheons @ Elm School. Laughed easily & always had a smile.
Sweet lady! Condolences to the family. Chris Grushas (nee Kochurka)

My Aunt Sophie was the most genuine and positive person I think I've ever met. Always happy and willing to help at any time. Her laugh will always bring a smile to my face. Rest in peace, Auntie. Love, Joyce

Our beautiful room mother will be missed by all of the Elm School "kids"! My sincere condolences to my friend Lucille and the entire Pitrak family.

With Love,
Linda Turner Fields

Sophie was a classy lady, always with a smile and a new joke everytime you saw her. Our game nights, lunches and dinners were always filled with laughs and great times!! Love and miss you your two angels
Barb and Mary

Sophie was the best! She always had a good word for everyone and everything. We first met her at Ceska Beseda. She and Jerry would dance up a storm at our dinner dances. They were terrific dancers and always color coordinated. We'll miss this special lady with her beautiful smile.

Very sorry for your loss. Sophie was a great lady and always smiling.

Even in her final struggle, Lu never changed--always the warm greeting, the radiant smile, the lively banter. Lu (Sophie) has passed on, but her spirit will live on in every person she touched.

Gus & Renee Jackson (Western Springs, IL)

Sophie was the best!! Sophie was so sweet, funny and loved to tell stories. I will miss his along with my mother Ethel. Rest In Piece Sophie. Thank you for the wonderful memories you left with my mother

Diane & Ed, So sorry for your loss. Your Mom could light up a room, she was so happy every time I seen her. Sophie's light will now shine down from Heaven. May she rest in Peace. Love

I have so many memories of Auntie Sophie - breakfasts at the Jedi Garden Restaurant, toot-a-loos to celebrate birthdays, that she kept bread and baked goods in her dryer and could make a delicious pork roast in her toaster oven, her tall leather boots with a stylish high heel, the matching outfits she and Jerry wore... Sophie always had a joke or a story, always delivered with a smile and laughter. She was the grandmother my brother Jim and I never knew on the Pitrak side of our family and one of the most important people in our dad's (Dick) life. We loved Sophie from birth for herself but also for the what she always meant to our dad - part aunt, part sister, part friend. Sophie was one of a kind and I will never forget her.

Lu and Diane, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sophie may have been very small in stature, but she was larger than life. I have to believe that she'll live on in ways big and small in so, so many hearts. I hope that will bring you both comfort.

Love,
Meg (Pitrak) McGuan and Marty, Anabel, Patrick, and Moira Grace

My "Great Auntie Sophie" was one of my favorite people in this world! So much so that my wife, Kelly and I named our daughter Sophia, after her. When I told Sophie she exclaimed "hey that's my name!" I said I know we named Sophia after you, and she said "oh wow, well she will be a great bowler, but not too tall!" Sophie always had something funny to say and tons of energy! She liked to laugh, even if the joke was on her. Sophie loved the roast we did for her birthday a few years ago, and she always wanted to celebrate the gift that life is with a smile. She took my dad in after he lost his mom and almost died himself when a drunk driver hit them. She got him back on his feet and I wonder if I would exist without Sophie & Ben doing what they did. I will miss you Sophie, you were such a unique and awesome gift! To all those that loved Sophie I know her spirit is plenty strong to live in us, and she would be so disappointed if we stayed sad too long...she never let loss and heartache crush her spirit so we owe it to her to let her spirit live in all of us! Have fun in heaven, & I hope the good Lord has the energy to keep up with you Sophie! Thanks for being so GREAT!!!