Sophie Zdrojeski

Sophie Zdrojeski (nee Maslanek), age 103, of Wayne and formerly of Botany Village, Clifton, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Born on October 17, 1922, Sophie lived through the Great Depression, was educated across early school subjects in both English and Polish, and remained bilingual in reading, writing, and speaking Polish throughout her life. She took great pride in her work as third shift bookkeeper/payroll clerk for Wright Aeronautical Corporation in Paterson during World War II, and as secretary for Fair Lawn Cemetery in Fair Lawn. 

Sophie married Casimir “Cap” Zdrojeski in 1946 and together had their daughter Michelle. Sophie was active in the seniors’ groups at the parishes of Saint Cyril and Methodius, and Sacred Heart in Clifton. She was known for enthusiastically dancing the polka and relished authentic Italian food. Over the years, Sophie enjoyed home life, reading biographies, completing crossword and word-search puzzles, and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Having a perpetual sweet tooth, she never refused a dessert treat, a Manhattan, or blackberry brandy shared with her son-in-law. Sophie survived two COVID diagnoses, saw nine popes, five British monarchs, and nineteen U.S. presidents. Of greatest significance, on her 103rd birthday, she was the ring-bearer at her granddaughter Lauren’s backyard wedding celebration. 

Sophie was predeceased by her husband Cap, her sister Anna Torjek and husband Joseph, her sister Cecilia Bodziak and husband Victor, her brothers Stephen Maslanek and Michael Maslanek–World War II Air Medal and Purple Heart recipient. 

Sophie is survived by her daughter and caregiver Michelle Campbell, son-in-law Joe Campbell, granddaughters Jennifer and Lauren, grandson Adam Heverly, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Sophie’s name, are asked to consider a donation to a favorite charity.