Mary “Sis” Sofka

Mary “Sis” Sofka, 88, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020. She was born Jan. 26, 1932, in Gonzales County, Texas, to Louis and Anastacia Petras Zella. She grew up in a large family with seven brothers and two sisters. She married Alvin Sofka on July 16, 1956, and moved to Houston where they lived and raised five children.

Mary was a dedicated wife to Alvin for 51 years. She was also a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She committed her life to taking care of her family. She enjoyed sharing her love with her family through cooking and bringing them together for meals. Her specialties were homemade bread, kolaches, the best fried chicken and not to mention her dressing at Thanksgiving. Playing bingo was her favorite pass time with her daughters, grandchildren and friends.

She is survived by her daughters Barbara Schmidt and husband Carl, Cynthia Lee, and Margie Fox and husband Jeff; sons David Sofka and wife Kristi, and Johnny Sofka and wife Agnes; sister Mildred Roeber; brothers Raymond, August, Carl, Robert, and Kenneth Zella all of Gonzales; five grandchildren, Jennifer Koberger (Jason), Bobbi Green (Grant), Elizabeth Franklin (Justin), Heather Lee, and Ashley Aranda (Erick); great grandchildren Steven and Joseph Norman, Holly and Lily Franklin, Avery, Brennah, Hayden, and Holden Grant, Nathaniel, Emily, and Madeyln Aranda, and Landon Koberger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Melvin and Adolph and sister Elsie Spitzenberger.

Pallbearers were David Sofka, Johnny Sofka, Erick Aranda, Jeff Fox, Steven Norman, and Joseph Norman.

Visitation was held on June 8 at Chapel of Forest Park Westheimer. Rosary began at 6 p.m. and graveside services were held Tuesday, June 9.