Obituary: Sophie I. Godava, 102

Sophie I. Chermer Godava, 102, of Canonsburg, died Sunday, July 1, in Center for Compassionate Care.

She was born on Jan. 12, 1910 in Rice's Landing, a daughter of the late John and Mary Kluchoroski Chermer.

Sophie lived most of her life in Canonsburg. She attended a one-room schoolhouse on Buffalo Hill, now Weavertown. Listening to her tell stories about Canonsburg was history in itself. In her early years, she worked at Standard Tin Plate.

She was a member of Rutherford Lutheran Church of Bethel Park. Her faith, church and family were foremost in her life. So many asked, what was her secret to have lived to such an age. Her answer was always, "The Lord watches over me."

She enjoyed the Canonsburg Senior Center, playing cards, bingo and an occasional trip to the Meadows Casino.

Her husband, Joseph F. Godava, died Feb. 17, 1990, after 50 years of marriage.

Surviving are one son, Ronald J. Godava of McMurray; one daughter, Shirley Watson of Canonsburg; three grandchildren, Cheryl Massack of Strabane, Breann (Aaron) Green and Bryan Godava, both of McMurray; one great-grandchild, Sarah Massack of Strabane; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Sophie was the last of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by four brothers, John, Robert, Arthur and Anthony Chermer; and three sisters, Marie Gottron, Matilda Augustine and Caroline Klink.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Sollon Funeral Home Ltd., 30 East College St., Canonsburg. Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m. Friday at Rutherford Lutheran Church, South Park and Patterson roads, Bethel Park, for services with the Rev. Steven Carlson officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.

Visit www.sollon.com for additional information and to view and leave online condolences.