Sofia Hawley 1928-2002

HAWLEY, KOLTUN

Posted By: Marguerite (email)
Date: 11/27/2002 at 12:37:49

Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Iowa City - 319-338-8171

Sofia Hawley, 74, of 2524 E. Washington, Iowa City, died on Monday, November 11, 2002, at the University of Iowa Hospital, from complications of an untreatable pelvic infection. Burial will be in the Windsor Township Cemetery near Cambridge, Kansas, with graveside services to be held there. Lensing Funeral Service of Iowa City and Miles Funeral Service of Winfield, Kansas are in charge of arrangements.

Sofia was born March 15, 1928, near Zamosc, Poland, to Wladyslaw and Julia Koltun. During World War II, she was put to work on a German farm and after the war remained in Germany, living for a time in a displaced persons camp and working in a variety of service jobs. In 1952, she met U.S. Army lieutenant Ellis W. Hawley, then stationed in Germany, and on September 2, 1953, the two were married in a ceremony in Heilbronn. In 1956, she came to and established a home in the United States, initially in Washington, D.C., but within a year in Denton, Texas, where her husband began a career as a history professor. In 1968, she moved with her husband and children to Columbus, Ohio and in 1969 to Iowa City, where she finished raising her family and was active in school, gardening and club projects. Illness and disability made her later years difficult, but there were many good times as well. She particularly enjoyed the family gatherings, her numerous and varied houseplants, dining at the Amana Colonies and a good game of cards, especially auction pitch.

Survivors include her husband; one son, Arnold J. Hawley of Iowa City; two daughters, Agnes F. Freese of Niwot, Colorado and Christine J. Cruise of Columbus, Ohio; six grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren.

On line condolences may be directed to www.lensing funeral.com and please click on “Sign the Guest Book”.