Sonia Lorraine Chmielewski Myers, 82, formerly of Rome, N.Y., passed away on January 3, 2026, in Ewing, N.J. after a protracted illness.  She was born to humble beginnings on April 21, 1943, in Rome, N.Y., a daughter of the late Alexander Chmielewski and Mary Baldigo Chmielewski.  On June 5, 1965, Sonia was united in marriage to Thomas Joseph Myers at Transfiguration Catholic Church in Rome. 

Following graduation from Saint Aloysius Academy in 1961 Sonia began her career as an employee with the State of NY, having worked at the Rome State School, Rome Developmental Center, and the Rome Developmental Disabilities Services Office before retiring from the Oneida Correctional Facility in 2000.  Her charitable spirit attracted her to volunteer roles such as perennial room mother, PTO member, and high school parent volunteer.  During retirement years Sonia served numerous patients in the Port Orange, FL area, where she valued her time with the Hospice-affiliated No One Dies Alone (NODA) program.  Sonia volunteered in various roles with the Rome, NY (St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church) and Port Orange, FL (Catholic Church of the Epiphany) parishes to which she belonged.  None of these accomplishments were as important to Sonia as her Catholic faith, her 55-year marriage to husband Tom, being a mother to her two children, and a Nanee to her three grandchildren. 

Sonia maintained strong social networks both in Rome and in Port Orange where she and husband Tom spent winters during their retirement years.  Sonia was the type of friend and family member to laugh with you, cry with you, and be in your corner when needed.  Conditioned to hard work from being raised on a farm, laziness was not an option, stubbornness was a tool to get through tough times, and humor was an oft-employed virtue - not to mention Sonia’s trademark quality.  During times of uncertainty, Sonia would frequently say, “God will provide.”  Proud of her Polish heritage and her large extended family, Sonia had a way of making everyone feel special and was most known for her generosity - both in spirit and material.   Along with the shirt off her back, she would give you the skin to go with it.  Sonia always had a freshly canned jar of pickles, berry jam, or one of her famous gigantic chocolate chip cookies at the ready for anyone and everyone to enjoy.  She rarely forgot to send birthday, special occasion, greeting, and Mass cards to family and friends near and far.

Sonia is survived by son and daughter-in-law Thomas Myers and Rie Yamauchi, NJ; daughter and son-in-law Brooke and Christopher Corbett, VA; three grandchildren: Hannah, Grace, and Leo Corbett; two sisters: Barbara Anderson and Patricia Seelman; two sisters-in-law Betsey Chmielewski and Margaret Hilton; brother-in-law Don Seelman, and most of her roughly 50 nieces and nephews.

Sonia was predeceased by her husband Tom; four brothers: Jacob, Edmund, Stanley, and Daniel Chmielewski; three sisters: Stella Baker, Beatrice Jarrell, and Anne Hoffmann; two sisters-in-law: Estella Chmielewski and Leona Myers; and six brothers-in-law: Alfred Baker, Clifton Jarrell, Leo Hoffman, David Anderson, Jerry Hilton, and Donald Myers.

   The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Greenwood House Senior Healthcare facility, especially the Hospice Care Unit for the wonderful care which they provided to Sonia during  her stay.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 10, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Church in Rome.  Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday January 9, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm at Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road in Rome.  Interment will take place in St. Peter's Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Mission of the Christ Child 200 North James Street, Rome, N.Y. 13440