Sophie Parizek's Obituary
Sophie Kuchinsky Parizek, 102, of Willington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength, warmth, and a life lived fully—always with her hands in the soil. Born in Ashford, CT, Sophie grew up with the kind of work ethic that only farm life can teach, and she carried that spirit into everything she touched. She often said the secret to her long life was “hard work and digging in the garden,” and no one who knew her ever doubted it. Even into her nineties, you could find her outside, hoe in hand, tending to flowers and vegetables with the energy of someone half her age. Sophie is survived by her loving daughters, Sally Barbieri and Phyllis Benton, as well as many nieces, nephews, and special friends who treasured her wisdom, humor, and remarkable resilience. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William J. Parizek; her cherished son, John W. Parizek; her parents, Sophie and Nickolas Kuchinsky; her brothers Alex, Nick, John, and her twin Walter; her sisters Nadja (Palacok) and Sonia (Knight); and her sons-in-law, Lawrence Barbieri and Douglas Benton—a long list of loved ones she spoke of often and missed dearly. Sophie lived for more than a century and experienced many things. She grew up on a small family farm in Ashford, walked to a one-room schoolhouse, and during World War II, sewed parachutes at Cheney Brothers in Manchester. Sophie spent many years working at the University of Connecticut, first at the UConn Bookstore and later in Accounts Payable. She was known not just for her dependability, but for the way she seemed to brighten any room simply by walking into it. She was active in her community as a member of the Willington Senior Center, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Willington VFW, and the Willington Congregational Church, where she formed friendships that lasted decades. A talented cook and seamstress, Sophie had a knack for making everything from scratch and making it look easy. But gardening was her true passion—the place where she found joy, purpose, and peace. Her yard was always full of color, life, and whatever she felt inspired to plant that year. Friends knew better than to leave without taking home a tomato, a bunch of flowers, or a handful of advice. A special thanks goes to Sophie’s devoted caregivers—Sarah Wheeler, Nancy Humphrey, Marlene Holman, and Gulchekhra (Julia) Kunschman—whose kindness and care allowed Sophie to remain in the home she loved. The family also wishes to thank the Hartford Healthcare Hospice team for their gentle support, comfort, and compassion during Sophie’s final months. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in Willington Hill Cemetery, Willington, CT. In honor of Sophie’s memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Willington Food Pantry. Contributions may be sent to Willington Human Services, 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, CT 06279, with a note designating the Food Pantry fund. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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