Valeria D. Wolk

Valeria "Vee" (Sofranko) Wolk, 95, died Monday, July 22, 2024, at her home in Norvelt with her three daughters at her side.

Born Aug. 31, 1928, in Mt. Pleasant, she was a daughter of Stephen and Theresa Sofranko who, with their children, were among the original homeowners in the Westmoreland Homesteads, which later was named Norvelt.

Vee's life revolved around her love of family, church and the town of Norvelt. To some extent, she was an amateur historian who wrote and gathered photos about her hometown, maintained a strong interest in World War II history and journaled at various times about her family history.

Vee’s pride and interest in Norvelt spurred her to co-author a book, along with her daughter Sandra, entitled “Norvelt: A New Deal Subsistence Homestead.” It was filled with numerous photos and recollections relating to the establishment and growth of the community. She enjoyed talking to groups about Norvelt and was a member of the Westmoreland Homesteads-Norvelt Historical Society.

She also was a member of St. Florian Roman Catholic Church in United and its Altar Society.

After graduating from Hurst High School, she began working and then met the love of her life, Joseph Wolk. They were married in 1947 and built their own home in Norvelt - pouring cement, nailing boards and mitering corners themselves. They were married for 65 years, until Joseph’s passing in 2013.

During that time, Vee became a sports fan, liked a little casino action and was a big fan of “The Young and The Restless,” not to mention being a devoted spouse and mother.

Vee worked at multiple jobs after staying at home to raise her daughters, spending hours watching over and guiding them, driving them to various events and, generally, inspiring a whole lot of fun.

She is survived by those three daughters and their husbands: Terri (Chet) Czarniak of Clifton, VA; Sandra (David) Schimizzi of Greensburg and Anita (Terry) Foriska of Latrobe. She also is survived by two grandchildren, Lindsay Czarniak (Craig) Melvin of Westport, CT, and Andrew (Aimee Hollander) Czarniak of Alexandria, VA, and four great-grandchildren, Delano and Sybil Melvin of Westport, CT, and Louisa and Edward Czarniak of Alexandria, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents, Vee was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Alexander Kip Schimizzi. She was the last survivor among her siblings who previously had passed: a brother, John Sofranko; and four sisters, Margaret Pavick, Helen Kapura, Betty Tirdil and Dorothy Vidakovich.

The family expresses its deep appreciation and love for the caregivers who helped Vee through her last months of life.

Family and friends will be received Thursday at the Hoffer Wilt Funeral Home, 2245 Mt. Pleasant Road, Norvelt, where the St. Florian Altar Society will pray the rosary at 4:45 p.m., followed by visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. On Friday, Prayers of Transfer will be said at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Florian Roman Catholic Church, 4263 PA Rt. 981, United. Burial to follow in St. Florian Cemetery, Trauger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Florian Church.