Adelinda A. Softic

August 15, 2018

Adelinda "Linda" Softic

ATHOL- Adelinda “Linda” Softic, 91, formerly of Athol and Orange, died peacefully on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, with her family at her side.

Born in Klagenfurt, Austria on August 14, 1927, she was the daughter of Maria Magdalena and Alois Hochkirchner. She spent her youth in Treibach-Altophen, Austria in the years leading up to, through, and shortly after World War Two. The war stole her youth and much of her hope until she met her husband, Adam Softic. Together they left war torn Austria with their three small children, Peter 6, Enver 3, and Veronica 1 year. Holding on to their children and the belief that America was truly a land of opportunity, they prepared for their long trip across the Atlantic Ocean. A two week journey on a crowded boat with many strangers speaking many languages, but with similar dreams, finally brought them to New York City. Their trek continued to a new home and a hopeful future, arriving in Orange on Memorial Day of 1951.

Overcoming the early challenges of coming to a new country with three small children, experiencing the expected language barriers, and having no financial means, Adelinda and her husband soon carved out their own American Dream, working with children through sports, the two soon became widely known in both communities. Adelinda became everyone’s “Oma”. Her kindness and genuine love for all around, young and old, endeared her to everyone.

A loving wife, devoted mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, Adelinda took great pride in her family. She was predeceased by her husband Adam, her son Peter, and her granddaughter Ashley Softic. She leaves behind her son Enver Softic and his wife Ellen of Athol; her daughter Veronica Winters and her husband Charles of Athol; her grandchildren Rachel Zani and her husband, Michael of Orange, Jodi Coverly and her husband Scott of Raleigh, NC, Peter Softic and his partner Cindy Shepardson of Athol, EricaWinters of Rockland, Marcy Kelley and her husband Paul of Leominster, Adrian Softic and his wife Kara of Wethersfield, CT, Michael Winters and his wife Jennifer of Orange, Chad Softic and his wife Abby of Orange, Gavin Softic and his wife Meredith of Peabody, and Travis Softic and his wife Elissa of Plantfield, CT; Great-grandchildren are Isabella and Julia Zani, Benjamin and Adelynn Winters, Devon Softic,  Pvt Dawson Softic, USMC, Cali and Colin Laakso and Jaden, Morgan, Scarlett, Graham, Jaylen and Carver Softic.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, with a funeral service at 12:00 pm, following the calling hours.  
Burial in South Cemetery, Orange, will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mahar Boosters Club, c/o Larry Fisher, 100 Winter Street, Orange, MA 01364 or Athol-Royalston Athletic Association, c/o Athol High School. 2363 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331.
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.
You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com   

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