Sophie (Laska) Gruby, 76, of Bristol, beloved wife of William R. Gruby, died on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at home. Sophie was born in Meriden on May 3, 1946, and was the daughter of the late Jacob and Josephine (Kares) Laska. She was raised in Meriden where she graduated from St. Stanislaus Grammar School, Maloney High School and Hairdressing School.
She worked as a hairdresser and for New Departure in Bristol before raising her six children. Sophie was a devoted wife and mother. She cherished her family above all. They were her world. Sophie had a heart of gold and it shined upon everyone she met. She loved to bake, was an excellent cook, enjoyed polka dancing and was a dedicated parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church, Bristol, where she was an active member of the Ladies Guild.
In addition to her husband, Sophie is survived by five children: Jennifer LaCart and husband, Andy, of Bristol, Richard Gruby and wife, Samantha, of Georgia, Joseph Gruby of Bristol, Ann Beede and husband Brandon, of Arizona, and Phillip Gruby of Bristol; five grandchildren: Maddison, Mari, William Hunter Gruby, and Tyler, and Kaylee Beede; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her youngest son, Sean Gruby and her brothers: Stanley and John Laska.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church, 510 West St., Bristol. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Friday between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Church Ladies Guild, 510 West St., Bristol, CT 06010. Please visit Sophie’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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