Sophie Bracken

COLUMBIANA - Sophie M. Bracken, 83, passed away Saturday evening, July 4, 2009, at the Hospice House, Poland, of complications from a brain tumor.

Mrs. Bracken was born Feb. 3, 1926 in Johnstown, Pa., a daughter of the late Harry and Sophia Kolotylo Pasternak.

After graduating in 1945 from Johnstown High School, she was employed as a PBX operator. In 1946, she married her husband of 63 years, John (Jack) Bracken who survives.

Sophie was a homemaker and loved to bake, sew, crochet and spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Columbiana and volunteered for many activities in past years.

She is also survived by two daughters, Darlene Orincsak (the late John Orincsak) and Jeanne Raneri (Joseph Raneri), both of Columbiana; and a brother, Stephen (Doris) Pasternak of Johnstown, Pa. Sophie had three grandchildren, Jacqueline (Jackie) Orincsak (her companion, Roy Munn) of Willoughby, Ohio, Lori Kerchofer (Michael) of Greer, S.C., and the late Christopher Orincsak. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Erin, Isaac and Justin Hendershot (Jackie's children) and Jonathan, Cole, and Sophie Kerchofer (Lori's children).

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Rose Hilboky and Ann Brasich, and a brother Harry Pasternak.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Jude Catholic Church, Columbiana, with the Rev. Thomas G. Ziegler officiating. Burial will follow in Columbiana Cemetery.

Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Material contributions can be made to either Hospice of the Valley or St. Jude Catholic Church.

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7/6/09