Sonia Mary Mokowich Romano died peacefully in the arms of her family, two hours after the arrival of her youngest son, on October 2, 2014, at the age of 78. She was a lifelong resident of Tribes Hill, New York, spending her last days on the third floor of the Wilkinson Health Care facility in Amsterdam (her children would like to gratefully thank the Wilkinson staff for the care and kindness afforded to their mother).

Sonia was the second child born to Stephen and Kathleen Croke Mokowich, she was born on Oct 29, 1935, in Amsterdam, NY. Jo Anne Mokowich Arndt was her older sister and life-long friend. Their laughter when they were together was infectious and a joy to witness. Despite contracting polio as a young girl, Sonia grew to be a beautiful young woman with many gifts and talents. She married Ralph Romano at the Sacred Heart Church on June 14, 1959. Together they managed the Tribes Hill Food Center. It became a local landmark because of their commitment to their customers and their ability to develop friendships within the community they served. Everyone was endeared to Sonia; she was the gracious, witty and patient clerk and cashier who always had a kind word to say. She could cook and bake better than anyone in town. Ralph and Sonia also operated Philbrook's Market in Fultonville, NY and another market in Albany; they so enjoyed the people they served. Sonia's greatest achievement was the nurturing love she gave to her children. She was a constant encourager; she instilled in her children the notion that anything was possible. She wanted them all to experience the things she was never able to due to her physical limitations and responsibilities. Ralph and Sonia raised four children as they grew old together; Ralph passed away in 2007.

Sonia loved to bake for others; she was always having them sample her doughnuts, cakes, pies and cookies. She loved to get in the car with a full tank of gas and just drive. She loved fall foliage, her time at the ocean and gazing at lighthouses. She looked forward to tailgating with her family as they roamed across the Northeast. Sonia loved her pets: Wally, Susie and Chester. She was a spiritual and compassionate woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Many people would come to her home, often unannounced, to visit and enjoy her cooking and baking. They would sit at the table, talking and laughing with her while she scrambled around looking for treats to serve-that was a slice of heaven. Anyone who knew Sonia thought of that kitchen as a slice of heaven, because of her.

Sonia is survived by her children; Louis and Vickie Romano of Fultonville, NY; Ralph Scott and Sally Romano of Tribes Hill, NY; Eileen and Jeff Terwilliger of Centerville, MA and Michael and Julienne Romano of Westminster, CO. Sonia has seven grandchildren: Stephen (Heather) Romano; Eric (Danielle Sullivan) Romano; Sara (Jason) Babiarz; Jessica Romano; Mary Grace Terwilliger; Mikaela Romano and Dominic Romano. Sonia also has two great-grandchildren: Madison Romano and Kate Babiarz. Sonia has several nieces and nephews who she loved as if they were her own children. Sonia leaves many friends and acquaintances. Cat, Callie, and dog, Molly, were special friends to Sonia as she grew older.

A Service of Remembrance will take place on Monday Oct 6, 2014 at 6:00 PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY.
Calling Hours will be at 3:00 PM.
Internment will take place at a later date at Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Montgomery County SPCA or Community Hospice of Amsterdam.
Please visit the online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com
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