Page 67 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 56 Autumn 2025

children, Shirley, Kathy, and Ken, could
be challenging for some, for Sophie, it
was only part of her life’s mosaic. She
never lost sight of all the acts of kind-
ness bestowed upon her by the Walling-
ford community on her journey to learn
English and eventually become a US citi-
zen. There has never been a time in So-
phie’s adult life when she has not been
volunteering or helping others. Being
unselfish and volunteering are part of
her life’s fabric.

Staying true to her Polish roots, she be-
came active in two fraternal Polish orga-
nizations. The Polish National Alliance Sophie's School Van
[PNA] Lodge 513 and the Polish Wom- ing Christmas and Advent Polish pierogi a school bus driver’s license. Beginning
en’s Alliance of America, both on a local to benefit the church. her tenure at Wall’s Bus Service in 1972,
and statewide level. Additionally, she Sophie adapted as the company transi-
actively participated in various organi- All her St. Peter and Paul volunteer tioned to its current owner, AA Special-
zations within her church, St. Peter and activities were formally recognized in ty, and has become a designated special
Paul. 2010, when the Archbishop of Hart- education driver. She emphasizes the
ford awarded Sophie the Archdiocesan importance of forming relationships
Medal of Appreciation. This medal is with each student, tailored to their
bestowed upon parishioners for their unique circumstances. Parents some-
commendable service, for giving of times commend her for her care and
their time and talent to support their attention, such as never dropping off a
parish community. child unless she sees their parent. She
recalls numerous instances where her
Known for her willingness to assist support has helped students overcome
whenever called upon, Sophie has con- social challenges. It’s the relationships
tributed in multiple capacities. I can't she develops with each student that
remember a time when Sophie wasn't give her the most pride.
in the kitchen helping prepare food for a
PNA event at either its Park or Hall. I am In 1997, the Connecticut School Trans-
talking over 50 years here!. She would portation Association honored Sophie
chair the PNA Hall Bingo program and as the Connecticut School Bus Driver of
was a ubiquitous volunteer for many the Year, an accolade she considers her
PNA activities. All this activity has not most enduring professional recognition.
gone unnoticed or unappreciated. In Nevertheless, it’s not the honor, but the
2014, Sophie was among the first to re- opportunity to serve and build relation-
ceive the PNA Service Award, commem- ships with the students, that motivates
orating her many years of unselfish con- her continued dedication to this day.
tributions to the greater Wallingford
Community. In 2005, Ken passed away after nearly
40 years of married life, 42 years since
Despite the numerous accolades she her car got stuck in the snow. Since his
has received for her volunteer work, So- passing, she continues to devote her
It did not take long for every organiza- phie's most significant source of pride, energies to helping her three grown
tion to realize Sophie’s leadership skills. outside of her family, is her role as a children and her five grandchildren
She rose through the ranks and became school bus driver for special education when needed. Her family, her job, and
President of both the local and state Pol- students. She values the relationships her volunteer efforts make for a bless-
ish Women’s Alliance of America, Presi- she has had throughout her career and ed and cherished life. Sophie Marshall
dent of St. Peter and Paul’s Holy Rosary cherishes the gratitude expressed by has been paying it forward for over 70
and Ladies Guild and served on numer- former students. It's those relationships years!
ous committees. And for decades, she that stay with her forever.
has been part of the fabled St. Peter and
Paul Polish “Pierogi Makers”, who spend Thanks to her "sliding door" moment in
many hours each year making and sell- 1963, Ken encouraged Sophie to obtain

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