MISSION/BRYAN - Sophie Matthews, 90, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Bryan, surrounded by family. She was a lifelong resident of Mission.

Sophie was a warm, kind and gentle lady. She loved caring for her family, working in her garden and reading a good book. She will always be remembered for her nurturing spirit and beautiful smile. Sophie was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Sophie was born April 25, 1920 in Yorktown, second child of Gertrude Maron and Frank Prukop. In 1927 her pioneer parents moved the family from Kosciusko to McCook where they helped establish a new Polish community. She married Martin J. Foley in July 1941. They were blessed with four daughters and two sons and were married for 31 years.

Sophie Matthews is survived by her daughters, Mary Ann Cortines and husband, Charles; Patricia Hlozek and husband, Donald; Catherine Whitton and son, Mark Foley; brothers, Conrad Prukop and wife, Kristine, Emil Prukop and wife, Mary Jo; sisters, Irene Lyssy and husband, Ben; Hattie Katara; sister-in-law, Mrs. Proxey Prukop; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, Martin J. Foley; second husband, Anthony J. Matthews; daughter, Jennifer Reyna; son, F. James Foley; grandson, David Whitton and brothers, Frank Prukop Jr. and Phillip Prukop.

The family will receive friends beginning at 4-9 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m., Friday, March 25, at Ric Brown Family Funeral Home in Mission. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.