Sophia Ortyl, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, Wednesday, April 28, 2011. She was born February 11, 1917 in Ludlow, MA, to Joseph and Maria (Kwapien) Giermanski. In 1921, her parents, Sophia and three siblings returned to Poland. Sophia grew up in the small farming village of Jasionow, near Brzozow, where the Giermanski family had roots. After her father died in 1926, Sophia had to work hard to help on the family farm. As a young woman, she also worked as a cook at restaurants in the town of Haczow and in the capital, Warsaw. This is where she acquired the training and skill to prepare many popular and traditional Polish food specialties. This was a talent that her family was to enjoy the benefit of for many decades. In 1936, Sophia returned to the United States, following in the path of her brother Edward. She settled in New York City where she met and married her loving husband, John P. Ortyl, in 1939. They were together for 67 years, and raised four sons to maturity. In 1942, Sophia, her husband and son Ray came to Toledo, where they made their home in the Polish Village area. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Adalbert Church. Sophia was a skilled seamstress by trade. Over her working career, she was employed by Cannon Cleaners, The J.C. Penny Company and for many years as the head seamstress at the Bridal Aisle Boutique on Lagrange St. Many local area brides and bridesmaids had their gowns fitted and tailored to perfection by her. Even after her retirement, clientele would continue to bring Sophia sewing projects to alter or complete. By nature, Sophia was a kind and gentle person who rarely spoke ill of anyone. Her generosity to others in need was of heroic proportions. After World War II ended, Sophia sent hundreds of food and clothing parcels to relatives and needy families in Poland. She did not refuse appeals for help, even though her own income was very modest. Sophia's survivors include sons Raymond (Paulina) Ortyl of Toledo, John Ortyl, Jr. of Toledo, James (Joy) Ortyl of Perrysburg, Thomas Ortyl, of West Palm Beach, Florida; sister Stella Parylak of Glen Riddle, PA; step-sister Alina Walus of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren Mariola Doran, Waldemar Ortyl, John Ortyl III, James, Timothy, Bryan, and Ryan Ortyl, Nicole Lycourt; and nine great grandchildren in addition to many nieces and nephews. Sophia was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, brothers Edward and Stanley Giermanski, stepsisters Irena Kumka and Janina Zuchowski. We will all miss a wonderful prababcia, babcia, mother, wife, sister, friend and guide in living a rewarding life. May God bless you Sophia. We will love you always. Family and friends may visit Wednesday, May 4th from 2- 8 p.m. in the Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114-128 E. Alexis Rd., where a Scripture Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Mass of Christian Burial in St. Adalbert Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Adalbert Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.