Sophia Barbara Wielgolinski, 99

November 09, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sophia Barbara Wielgolinski, a beloved mother, grandmother, and homemaker, who departed this life peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the age of 99.

Sophie was a devoted mother to her children, Mary Herr and the late Stanley C. Wielgolinski, and a loving grandmother who nurtured generations with unwavering love. Her legacy, rich with warmth and compassion, will live on through her cherished recipes—delicious treasures that filled her home with the joy of shared meals. Her culinary talents were matched only by her deep love for animals and nature, showcasing her nurturing spirit in her beautiful garden, where vibrant flowers flourished.

In addition to her passion for gardening, Sophie found joy in the art of needlepoint and crocheting. She lovingly crafted “Sophie’s Blankets,” each stitch a representation of her affection, which she gifted to family and friends. Shepherding her love further, she generously donated her creations to local churches and the NICU, where her great granddaughters were born.

A bond like no other connected Sophie with her brother, Leon, who played a pivotal role in her journey to America, sponsoring her move from Poland. Their relationship was a testament to the strength of family ties that Sophia held dear throughout her life.
Her love and spirit will live on in her daughter, Mary Herr of Lancaster, granddaughters, Michelle Ritchie, wife of Kristy Ritchie of Baltimore, and Sara Beck, wife of Daniel Beck of Landisville, great granddaughters, Emma & Ella Beck and Spencer Ritchie, and great grandsons, Andrew & Owen Beck, and Ashton Ritchie. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Stanley B. Wielgolinski and their son, Stanley C. Wielgolinski,

In honor of Sophie’s life, a visitation will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 on November 14, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, with Fr. Daniel Powell as Celebrant. The family will welcome loved ones for a public viewing at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 on November 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM. Interment will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at St. Gertrude Catholic Cemetery in Colonia, NJ, at Noon. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be sent in Sophie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org

The family wishes to thank the staff of Neffsville Nursing and Rehab for their dedicated care and unwavering support for Sophie and her family. They went above and beyond treating her like family and greeting her with a warm smile and open arms.