Carolee “Maimie” Sojka, 82, unexpectedly went to heaven on May 9, 2020 due to COVID-19 related complications. Carol was born to Margaret “Nana” Foti and James Devine in Brooklyn, New York on October 11, 1937 and lived there, in the Gerritsen Beach neighborhood, for her entire upbringing. As the years went by, Carol married the love of her life, James “Jim” Sojka in an intimate ceremony in Addison, Illinois on June 27, 1970. Sadly, because of the world situation and Carol’s passing, the two of them will not be able to celebrate being married for 50 years on June 27, 2020.

Carol and Jim have two children, Lynn and Jimmy. Their growing up years were full of family fun and adventure. While Lynn was away at college, Carol, Jim, and Jimmy moved around for Jim’s work living in a few different states before finally settling in Manassas, Virginia. Then Carol became an entrepreneur, starting her own company, Banner Sales, which she successfully ran for over 25 years.

Only greater than her dedication to her business was her devotion to her family. She attended countless lacrosse games, dance recitals, and school plays for her three granddaughters who also lived in Northern Virginia. Carol also enjoyed visiting her son, his wife, and granddaughter in Mandeville, Louisiana. As another testament for her love for family, Carol and Jim drove 18 hours after Hurricane Katrina to deliver a generator to their son’s family. She hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas at her home every year for her children and grandchildren and started buying gifts almost a year in advance – she loved Christmas!

Also, if you knew Carol, you know she loved to travel. After her son, Jimmy, took over Banner Sales, she became a travel agent in her free time – why not? For thirty eight years, she and Jim had great fun attending and celebrating at the Indianapolis 500 with many friends! They continued their travels all around the world on countless cruises making lifelong friends on those trips as well.

Carol and Jim owned many different RVs and frequented Shenandoah Crossing in Gordonsville, Virginia, often bringing their grandchildren along for the weekend. She loved golfing there (or anywhere!). While she never won a prize for a hole in one, she somehow managed to hit a goose right on top of its head knocking it out! She never sat still and had many passions – she lived life to the fullest!

More recently, Carol became active at All Saints Catholic Church in Manassas, Virginia, serving as an officer for the Ladies Auxiliary where she was named Woman of the Year twice. She is a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary in Reisterstown, Maryland. Carol enthusiastically volunteered for many Knights of Columbus events. She was a familiar face around the church and clubhouse, constantly lending a hand for events such as Donut Sunday, Family Breakfast, and Bingo Kitchen. We hear she often ran circles around other volunteers (some much younger than her). Carol will be remembered forever for being spunky, strong-willed, and generous. She was an amazing person and will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone she knew.

Left to cherish her memory are: her loving husband, Jim, of almost 50 years, her daughter, Lynn Schab (husband, James); her son, James Sojka (wife, Demarias); her granddaughters, Lauren Schab Catts (husband, Michael), Kristen Schab McCann (husband, Patrick), Kara Schab, and Amelie Sojka; her sister, Eileen Magurn (husband, Jack) and their daughters, (Peggy Schmidt and Kathy Magurn-Farabaugh); and her nephew Christopher Foti (wife, Margaret and son, Nick). At the gates of heaven, she was met by her loving mother, father, and her brothers, James and Albert.

The family will provide memorial details as soon as they become available. Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Manassas Volunteer Fire Department.

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