Cathy Ann Sofilka

Cathy A. (Simpson) Sofilka passed away with her daughters by her side on Thursday, November 28, 2024. She was the only child of the late Cleo (Treon) and Albert E. Simpson. Born in Sunbury, Pa., Cathy graduated from Shikellamy High School in 1967. Voted “most talkative,” she continued to fulfill that title to its fullest extent throughout her life – whether it was being the life of the party or lending quiet advice and support to anyone who sought her help. She married John “Jack” Sofilka in 1971, and they celebrated 49 years of marriage shortly before his passing in 2020. She stayed home to care for her daughters until they were in school, and when she finally had some time to herself, she decided to give that time to others through volunteering. Cathy began volunteering at Domestic Violence Services (DVS) in 1989, a commitment which eventually led to a position with DVS as their Volunteer Coordinator in 1992. She retired from DVS in 2018 following nearly 30 years of service to an organization whose staff became family and were there for her through her final days. In her free time, Cathy loved to cook and bake, welcoming friends into her home to entertain for occasions large and small. She also enjoyed being creative, beginning with sewing and counted cross-stitch, which led to a love of decorative tole painting, which she enjoyed for over 35 years. Her favorite places to spend time were in Hilton Head Island, S.C. - on the beach with a book, or glamping at Ole Bull State Park, Pa. with her extended family – on the front porch of the cabin with a book or playing board games. She is survived by her two daughters, Kristen of West Chester, Pa., and Megan (wife of Ryan) Tomsheck of Lancaster, Pa. She is also survived by her favorite grandson – the light of her life - Jack, of Lancaster, Pa. She will be missed by family, friends who became family, and her loyal canine companion of 16 years, Ralphie. Cathy passed on Thanksgiving, and it's fitting she be remembered with her favorite saying, “To every heart, there are two keys, one is thank you and the other is please.” In this season of gratitude, those who love her are thankful she is now with her husband and no longer suffering. Cathy will be interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a private service. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to support her favorite places to spend time so others may continue to enjoy them: PA Parks & Forest Fdn (PPFF), “Friends of Ole Bull IMO C Sofilka” in check memo, mailed to Mary Hirst, 14 Ole Bull Road, Cross Fork, PA 17729 or Sea Turtle Patrol Hilton Head Island at seaturtlepatrolhhi.org