Clara Joyce Sobaszkiewicz
July 9, 1939 - September 2, 2026
OBITUARY
Clara Joyce Sobaszkiewicz, 87, of Lodi, California, passed on to her forever home with our Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Clara was born on July 9, 1939, in South St. Paul, Minnesota, where she spent her childhood surrounded by her parents, two brothers, extended family, church family, friends, and neighbors.
She enjoyed foods from her Mexican and German heritage, spending time with family and friends, and participating in school activities. She was crowned Snow Queen at her high school. Clara also loved ice skating, which is where she met her future husband, Louie. She married Louie, also of Minnesota, and they soon welcomed four children into their family: Mark, John, Anna, and Nora.
Following other relatives, Clara and Louie moved to California while their children were very young. They traveled across the country by train and settled in Stockton. Several relatives also moved to California, and three families lived within blocks of one another. The neighborhood was lively, and the many families shared wonderful times together.
Clara enjoyed providing daycare and working as a private seamstress. The family later moved to Lodi, California, where they lived together for many years and enjoyed country life with land, animals, and a large, wonderful garden. Clara worked at Mervyn's for many years, where everyone enjoyed visiting her and shopping.
Clara and her family were extremely close and celebrated all aspects of life's journey together.
They shared countless holidays, gatherings with neighbors, and camping trips by the lakes and ocean. Clara and Louie were a truly loving couple and devoted parents. Sadly, Louie passed away at a young age, but he left behind a beautiful legacy of love.
Clara remained very close to her children, spending treasured time together at family gatherings, holidays, and many vacations throughout the years. Clara, our mother and grandmother, was an amazing human being. She had a generous heart and was often called the "favorite" by family, friends, and caregivers. She will be dearly missed, but she will always live on in our hearts, leaving us a beautiful legacy of love.
Clara is survived by her son, Mark Sobaszkiewicz (Zoe; daughters, Anna Rodacker (Steve) and Nora Hoffman (Rob); and grandchildren, Braeden Dillon, Preston Dillon, Grayson Dillon, Shannon Sobaszkiewicz, Zoe Merck (Daniel), and Jenna Merck.
Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Sobaszkiewicz; son, John Sobaszkiewicz; brothers, Richard Mauricio and Bob Mauricio; and parents, John and Elizabeth Mauricio.
A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Sobaszkiewicz family.
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