Sophie Wutkowski, a lifelong resident of Carteret, New Jersey, passed away on January 28, 2026, one month shy of her 107th birthday. For someone who never liked to miss a party, missing this one feels decidedly out of character. Born on February 28, 1919, Sophie was a parishioner of Divine Mercy Parish, where she belonged to the Catholic Daughters and the Altar and Rosary Society. Back in the day, she was also active with the Carteret Seniors. She was known for her independence and resilience, as well as her culinary and baking skills. These qualities defined her throughout her long life.

Sophie was a true Renaissance woman. Her mother introduced her to gardening, cooking, and other practical skills at an early age. She was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about topics that interested her. She approached life with a curiosity and love of learning that continued well into her later years. After becoming a senior citizen, she took nearly every adult education class the local vocational schools had to offer, embracing new skills simply for the joy of learning and self-reliance. She soon applied her newfound skills to carpentry, furniture refinishing, stained glass, cake decorating, and upholstering projects.

She loved to cook, and none of her recipes were ever set in stone. Sophie constantly tweaked and adjusted her dishes, keeping detailed notes of what she tried and what worked best. Her pierogi and cabbage rolls were great in the seventies, but improved over time like a fine wine.

She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Wutkowski Sr., as well as her siblings Julia Knapik, Mary Pszczola, Stephanie Kahora, Josephine Kahora, Michael Muzyka, and John Muzyka.

Sophie is survived by her three children: Gerald and his wife Marianne (Polanin) of Sewaren; Joseph and his wife Bernadette (Waurzynski) of Carteret; and Cindy and her husband John Ronan of Monroe Township. She also leaves eight grandchildren: John Ronan III and his wife Kristin, Daniel Ronan and his wife Alexa, Brian Ronan and his wife Ryan, Elizabeth Wutkowski, Gerald Wutkowski Jr., Michael Wutkowski and his wife Anna, Joseph Wutkowski IV and his wife Mary Kate and Brittany Wutkowski.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Samuel, Charlie, John Joseph IV(Jamie), Carson, Dalia, and Zosia, named in her honor using the Polish form of Sophie.Sophie leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, curiosity, and devotion to family. She will be remembered for the life she lived on her own terms and the generations she helped shape.

Funeral will be on Thursday, February 5, 2026 starting at 9:30 AM at Synowiecki Funeral Home, 56 Carteret Ave., Carteret, followed by a 10 AM Mass at Divine Mercy Parish-Holy Family Church in Carteret. Interment will take place at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia. Visitation will be on Wednesday February 4, 2026 from 4 PM to 8 PM. Carteret Knights of Columbus Carey Council 1280 will hold their ritual at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to Divine Mercy Parish Memorial Fund, 213 Pershing Ave., Carteret, NJ 07008