Sophie Marie Degory

Sophie Degory passed away June 5, five days shy of her 96th birthday.

Born Sophie Marie Bobulinski in Central City, PA, daughter of Polish immigrants, she was a vanguard for women of her generation, choosing to pursue a career as a clerical supervisor in New York City after graduating from Shade High School at age 17. A few years into her career in the city, John Degory of Hooversville wooed her back to her hometown to start a more than five decade-long partnership of marriage, family building, and unconditional love. Sophie and John’s marriage was the standard bearer for anyone who knew them, and she valued her family as her primary motivation and greatest accomplishment.

Sophie and John, along with their two sons, John and Ron, built their lives in the Johnstown area, where Sophie dedicated over 30 years to St. Andrew Catholic Church as a volunteer in the parish school. Her devotion to the Church and her unwavering faith were hallmarks of her life of service to God and family.

The importance of family to Sophie was evident at a young age. A proud big sister to her brother Stanley (Gordana), she always looked out for him, and they enjoyed the time they spent together over the years. Her sons John and Ron (Beverley) will treasure their memories of Sophie as a dedicated mother who supported them in everything they did. Her grandchildren Ronald, Jr., Ronnie, John, Jr., Michael, Steve, Chris, and Jennifer will remember a loving grandmother who taught them respect and poise. She delighted in spending time with her great-granddaughters Blythe, Lily, Isabella, and Olivia, whose photos and artwork adorned her home. Her nieces and nephews will celebrate her as a cornerstone of the Degory and Bobulinski families.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sophie’s extraordinary life at a funeral mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Johnstown on Friday, June 12 at 11:00 AM. From 10:30-11:00 AM, guests may pay their final respects to Sophie in the church. All attendees are asked to bring face coverings and practice social distancing according to CDC recommendations.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Sophie’s name to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 1020 State Street, Baden, PA 15005, or online at stjoseph-baden.org.

While we mourn the loss of our mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, we know Sophie is exactly where she wanted to be: back in the arms of the love of her life – her husband, John – and a presence forever in our hearts.

Arrangements by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.