Sophie Maciocha “Sunny” (Niechcielska) a loving mother, and grandmother went home to be with the Lord on Saturday January 9th 2021at age 92. She was born December 27, 1928 in Philadelphia, PA and was the daughter of Josephine Nowatarska and Stanley Niechcielski. She was a member of St. Andrews Parish, and she spent most of her time living in the Philadelphia area, before moving to New Hope PA and then to Cherry Hill, NJ. Sunny was married to Ted Maciocha, who preceded her in death in November of 1975.
Sophie is survived by her children, Joanna Riordan (Kevin), Arleen Howard (Michael) Richard Maciocha (Tammy), as well as her cherished grandchildren, Alexandria, Timothy, Kevin, Elizabeth, Anthony, Nicholas, Ted, Michael and Jeffery, her brother Stephen Niechcielski, sister Mary Litwa, as well as many nieces and nephews. Sophie is preceded in death by her son Teddy Maciocha (Bernadette), as well as by her sister Elizabeth Niechcielska.
In Sunny’s later years at Cherry Hill Senior Living, she enjoyed greeting new residents and making them feel at home, doing arts craft projects and playing games. Bingo and Left Right Center were her favorite. She loved to win, and win she did! Being diabetic, she always looked forward to her Dunkin’ Donuts and coffee or a McDonald’s hamburger with extra onions and of course a black and white milkshake. Sunny enjoyed playing polka music on her boom box that would echo down the hallway reminiscing of her early days winning the Polka Queen contest with her brother Stephen in 1954. She had the whole floor dancing to her polka music.
The highlight of her day was when her children and grandchildren would visit or take her out to dinner. Her hot spots were Seasons 52 or Maggiano’s and she always lit up while enjoying her favorite glass of white wine.
The best times were the special event parties hosted by the chef and catered by Cherry Hill. They were over the top! Everyone was invited to celebrate the entertainment, fine food and drink. We will always remember the great times and many laughs had by all.
Sophie will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. Life is a party so enjoy it!
We are thankful for the legacy of godliness and love she has passed down to her family and we will especially miss her smile!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private, family graveside service will be held.
A funeral mass celebrating her life will be held for family and friends at a later date. Her internment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Salem County Humane Society www.salemcountyhumansociety.org would be greatly appreciated.
To record a brief video tribute, condolence or cherished memory to be shared privately with the family, please click this link: Send Hugs for Sophie Maciocha
