Obituary of Sofia Mijuca

Sofia "Sofie" Mijuca (December 27, 1949 - July 20, 2022) lived a beautiful & dignified life. A woman of enduring love, patience, and grace, she provided comfort and solace to all and asked for little in return. Her husband, Jon, adored her. Together, they taught their children, Robert & Elisabeth, integrity, loyalty, and compassion, ingraining in them the confidence necessary to pursue life with a pervasive, contagious determination. A hero to her siblings: John, Julie & George loved and admired her. She was a mother, like her very own, to her daughter-in-law, Giulia. She loved having a laugh (and the occasional drink) with her future son-in-law, Stefan, and she was the proudest and most fun-loving "Baba" to the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Sophia, Michael & Alexandra. Sofia was born in Vladimirovac, Yugoslavia, before her parents, Maria & Livijus Zivku, moved west to Queens, New York. Like many women of her generation, she accepted hard work and family obligations over her education. As a young, working teenager, she quickly became a central support system for her parents and younger siblings. Never one to take life for granted, Sofia lived every day to its fullest, up to her very last! Ever determined, she insisted on going to a hospital across Central Park, back to the city she loved so dearly! She would often take her grandchildren to work with her by train or bus. She loved her job, having retired and returning after she realized that she missed her "friends." Sofia loved "antiques," hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas Eves; she adored orchids, candy corn, meals with family, dark chocolate, music, and laughter. She hated fussiness, spineless people, and feeling bored. To her family, she leaves her bright spirit, unwavering dedication, and undying love, and we are forever grateful for her presence! In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Cancer Society in Sofia's name: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html.