Obituary: Marilyn Broder Sopczak, 83, Of Norwalk

Information via Magner Funeral Home

On Saturday, March 5, Marilyn Broder Sopczak passed away at the age of 83 after a brief illness. Marilyn was a beloved mother, sister, and cherished grandmother to her four grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and inspired her children to love cooking, as well. She was an avid reader and enjoyed word puzzles and games.

Marilyn loved to garden in her younger years, and always had at least three plants blooming in her house. She had a giving heart and a sharp wit until the very end.

Marilyn was born in Norwalk, CT on September 1, 1938 to Crescenzo and Mary (Tucci) DiMeglio. She grew up in a lively, cheerful house on Avenue A. She adored her brothers, Nicholas, James, and Ronald, and her younger sister, Sandra. Marilyn was fond of sharing stories about her childhood and how wonderful it was.

In 1965, she married George Broder and had two daughters, Debra and Cherie. After George’s death in 1972, Marilyn devoted herself to caring for her two young daughters. Marilyn provided a happy home for her children, hosting pool parties, birthday celebrations, and family dinners. Several years later, Marilyn met John Sopczak and remarried, until his death in 1996.

Marilyn had several jobs in her lifetime including working for Perkin-Elmer, Save The Children, Ghurka, and Consolidated Management, but her favorite job was caring for her grandchildren. Marilyn’s greatest gift was her devotion to her children and grandchildren. Her love for her family was fierce and unrelenting. She was the ultimate caregiver and completely selfless when it came to family. She was a smart, strong and independent woman who survived a lot of sadness in her life, but was always able to bring joy and happiness to those fortunate enough to know her.

Marilyn was deeply loved and admired by her daughters, grandchildren, and sister, and her loss is great. Marilyn is survived by her two daughters - Debra Broder Dashnaw and her husband, Richard of Somers, NY, and their daughter, Grace, and Cherie Broder of Norwalk, and her children, Rachel, Carlie, and Jason; her beloved sister, Sandra DiMeglio of Rehoboth Beach, DE; sister-in-laws, Eleanor Demeglio (Nicholas), Betty DiMeglio (Ronald), Judy DiMeglio (James), and many other loving relatives.

Her family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 10, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Ave, Norwalk. Burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Meals on Wheels at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org or Save the Children/Ukraine www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/ukraine.