Zofia Bodnar

Zofia “Zosia” Bodnar (née Lisiecka) was born Sept 24, 1943 in Borowice, Poland in the midst of the German occupation during WWII. She moved with her family to the countryside outside of Krakow following the war. Zofia was very proud of her beginnings and carried her love for her Polish heritage throughout her life. She attended a Catholic boarding high school, despite growing up in a communist country that had closed nearly all Catholic schools after the war.

The oldest of 5 siblings, she was known for her fiery, bright blonde hair and a personality to match. As a child, Zofia could be found collecting wild flowers and making wreaths and bracelets in the countryside. Zofia attended college in Krakow and received degrees in nutrition and culinary arts.

When Zofia was 23, the communist government confiscated her family’s countryside home, and they were moved to a communist block housing unit in the suburbs of Krakow. It was shortly after this move that Zofia decided she was ready to forge her own path and move to the United States.

At the age of 25, Zofia moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She obtained her US citizenship in 1974. She took great pride in becoming a US citizen and told everyone that she had freed herself from the shackles of the communist government.

She worked as a movie theater manager for over 10 years. It was there that her 16-year-old employee, Laura, would introduce Zofia to her father Joseph Bodnar, who became Zofia’s life-long love. Joseph and Zofia married in 1985.

Later, Zofia worked in the health and wellness industry. She carried a great passion for wellness and enjoyed educating others about the benefits of various vitamins and supplements.

Zofia was known for her grace, beauty, and love of shoes. She always dressed as if she was on her way to have tea with the queen and had the perfect pair of high heels for every occasion. Stubborn and fierce, she never hesitated to express exactly what was on her mind. She also loved her family and friends with the same stubborn fierceness.

A devout Catholic, Zofia took great pride in her faith. She was confirmed by Pope John Paul II, when he was a Bishop in Krakow and believed strongly in the intercessions of the Virgin Mary. She often talked about how she knew her guardian angel was always by her side, helping her in moments of need.

Zofia had a life-long heart condition after surviving rheumatic fever in her early 20s. Her passion for wellness allowed her to survive well beyond her predicted years. In May 2025, at the age of 81, Zofia suffered a stroke. Her heart condition worsened after her stroke, and she underwent hospice care at her sister, Barbara’s home in September. Zofia passed away peacefully on September 28th, shortly after her 82nd birthday, with her sister, Barbara, and niece, Jennifer, by her side.

Zofia is survived by her daughter by marriage, Laura Rivero, her grandchildren Ashley Rivero, William Durrenberger(Katie), her sisters Krystyna Doniec and Barbara Walker, her brothers Jan Lisiecki (Helena) and Stanislaw Lisiecki; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren.

A Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Phoenix at 10:00am. A reception will be held immediately following services at Anderson Hall at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of the Valley, who cared for Zofia at the end of her earthly journey.