Sophia R. (Blavackas) Bieksha, a resident of Dodge Park Rest Home, died Tuesday, March 14, in her 97th year, in St. Vincent Hospital.

Her husband of 67 years, Stanley R. Bieksha died in 1999. She leaves her daughter Joan Carlstrom of Rochdale; a son Richard S. Bieksha and his wife Marilyn of Rutland; grandchildren: Steven Bieksha and his wife Gayla and their children Casey, Troy and Alison of Hubbardston; David Bieksha and his wife Susan and their children Molly, Cameron, Jenna and Maxx of Norton; Kristina Benoit of Worcester and her son Francis Benoit of Leicester: Kirsten Daigneault and her husband Mark and their daughter Jordan of Charlton; several nieces and nephews.

She was the oldest of five children of Vincent J. and Pauline M. (Tatulis) Blavackas. She is predeceased by two brothers, John and Joseph and two sisters, Mary and Joan.

Mrs. Bieksha was a graduate of Ascension High School. She was an accomplished seamstress and a hair fashion model at one time. Sophia worked in manufacturing in area industry, retiring from Phalo Plastic Company in Worcester. She was a lifetime member of St. Casimir Church and sang in it’s Women’s choir for many years. She was a former member of the Lithuanian Women’s Alliance and Women’s Guild. Sophia enjoyed many crafts, particularly crocheting, ceramics and artistic painting. Sophia was an avid gardener, enjoying birds and animals and nature.