Sophia Bayno of Goshen died on April 1, 2020. She was 83 years old.
She was born in Shortsville, New York, to Bill and Mary Stambach. She graduated from Red Jacket High School and then from Ithaca College of Music.
Sophia pursued a career in theater in New York City and worked as a “gaslight girl” at the famous “Gaslight Club.”
In 1959, she married Joseph Bayno and they raised Mary, Billy, Julie and Katie.
Sophia devoted her abundant energy to teaching music at Burke Catholic High School and St. John’s, incorporating her deep faith into her lessons. Her annual musical productions were highlights in Orange County and in the lives of thousands of students for more than 55 years as she shared her talents as a performer, producer and musical director for numerous productions.
She served as an organist and choir director for Saint John’s in Goshen, St. Columba’s in Chester and St. Stephen’s in Warwick and, for many years, Sophia devoted Wednesdays to teaching music at the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy for Girls in Newburgh, very proud of their 99 percent graduation rate.
She used her gift of music to inspire others, often reminding them that “all good gifts come from God.” As a person of deep faith, she visited Medjugorje in Croatia 26 times, as well as many other shrines devoted to the Blessed Mother. She was His good and faithful servant.
Her children cannot describe the pain of losing their “star,” but know that her light and love will remain eternal.
Sophia is survived by her children: Mary Bayno (Hal) Ginsburg, Julie (Rich) Hoppe, Billy Bayno and Katie Bayno Yee; grandchildren Claire (Noe) Castillo, Jaime Bayno and Blaise Bayno , great-grandson Esvin Castillo and her beloved siblings: Margaret Hanville, Liz Mitchell, Mary Lawrence and Paul Stambach. Sophia was the favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She joins brothers Robert, John and Chris Stambach and her dear sister Ellen Winchell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 10, at St. Joseph Church, 20 Glenmere Ave., Florida, N.Y.
To view the funeral mass live, please type in this web address https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9427556712 OR go the funeral home website and click on the “Click Here” link at the bottom of the obituary.
Burial of cremains will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Goshen.
Contributions can be made to Nora Cronin Presentation Academy Middle School for Girls (69 Bay View Terrace, Newburgh, NY 12550).
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home
To send a condolence online or for directions, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.