Obituary of Naoma J. Sotir

Naoma J. Sotir, 94, formerly of 304 Baker St., Jamestown, loving mother of Rick and Tim, doting grandmother and beloved great grandmother, passed away peacefully at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, March 25, 2018, in the Lutheran Retirement Home surrounded by her family. A lifelong area resident, she was born February 10, 1924 in Jamestown, NY, the only child of the late Stanley M. and Bertha Minton Lawson. Affectionately known as "Blondie", she attended the former Lakewood High School where she was the valedictorian of the class of 1942. She married her high school sweetheart Richard, and after raising her two sons, worked in the administration office for Crescent Tool Company for 26 years and later for the former Chautauqua Hardware Corporation for 7 years. Truly adored by all who knew her, she was an avid bowler, golfer, and adamant animal lover. Naoma was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church. She was very active in her community as a member of the Jamestown Women's Bowling Association for over 50 years, having bowled in several leagues at the Jamestown Bowling Company including the AARP League and the Ladies Night Out Bowling League. She was also active in the Mecca Chapter 132 Order of the Eastern Star where she was a proud past matron and a member of the Past Matron's Group. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at WCA Hospital and was a member of the WCA Hospital Auxiliary. Surviving are two sons; Richard L. Sotir, Jr., Timothy (Deborah)Sotir both of Jamestown, four grandchildren; Richard L. Sotir, III of Naples, FL, Laura A. Sotir of Buffalo, NY, Christopher (Mary Beth) Sotir of Albany, NY, Elizabeth (Michael) Colloton of Albany, NY and two great grandchildren, Abigail and Julyan Colloton of Albany. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard L. Sotir, Sr. whom he married May 5, 1946 and who died April 10, 2009, she now joins her "Dickey Bird" in heaven, and also by infant granddaughter. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. The Rev. Daniel S. Rumfelt, Chaplain of the Lutheran Retirement Home will officiate. Burial will be in the Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to Chautauqua County Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 West Fairmount Ave. Lakewood, NY 14750. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the kind and caring staff at the Lutheran Home who so attentively cared for our beloved Naoma during her final years.