Sophia J. Borek, 94, of Utica, who was fiercely independent, passed away in the comfort of her own home on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. Sophia was born in Utica on April 25, 1921, a daughter of Henry and Ida (Marczek) Tomasik. In Utica on March 27, 1942, Sophia was united in marriage to Stanley A. Borek, a blessed union of 42 years until his death on February 10, 1987. For several years she was employed with Revere Copper & Brass in Rome then later co-owned and operated the family business, Borek's Plumbing & Heating. She was a parishioner of the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills. Coming from a modest background, she was grateful for all life had given her. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her four children and knowing the joys that her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought to her. She cherished the memory of her grandson, Mark, who passed away in 1995. Sophia is survived by her four children, Joan Starczewski and husband Paul, of Whitesboro, James Borek and wife Virginia, of North Utica, Stanley A. Borek, Jr. and wife Michele, of Warner Robins, GA and Richard T. Borek and wife Denise, of Poland, NY, 8 grandchildren, David Starczewski and wife Debbie, Paula Phelan and husband Patrick, Deborah Bukowski and husband Scott, James, Gregory, Andrea, Katherine and Richelle Borek, 7 great grandchildren, Caitlin Phelan, Aidan Phelan, Joshua Bukowski, Meredith, Morgan, Matthew and Michael Starczewski, a sister-in-law, Sheila Borek, of Whitesboro and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and grandson, she was predeceased by a sister, Lucy Hajdasz and four brothers, Henry, John, Frank and William Tomasik. Mrs. Borek's funeral will be held Monday, September 14, 2015 at 10:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica and at 11:00 from the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa, New York Mills. Burial will take place in St. Stanislaus and Casimir Cemetery, Whitesboro. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday from 4-7. Those so wishing may make donations to the Masonic Care Community or the Church of the Sacred Heart and St. Mary Our Lady of Czestochowa. On line messages of sympathy may be made at Heintzfuneralservice.net Gentle woman, quiet light, morning star, so strong and bright. Gentle mother, peaceful dove, taught us wisdom; taught us love. Blessed are they with gentle hearts.