Sophie Smith Botzchea, 81, formerly of Westwood Manor II, died Saturday at Outlook Point at Saxonburg.

Born Feb. 24, 1924, in Butler, she was a daughter of Paul and Anna Kolodji Ligashewsky.

She was a member of St. Andrew Orthodox Church in Lyndora and the Sisterhood of the Altar of the church.

Mrs. Botzchea was a homemaker and an avid bingo player.

Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Henry (Olga) Stepahin and Mrs. Amelia Malvarose, both of Butler, and Mrs. Marie Galich of Erie; a grandson and his wife, Kristopher and Kelly Smith of Butler; a granddaughter, Mrs. Kent (Kerry) Courtney of Butler; and a great-grandson, Aleksandar Smith of Butler. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

She was the widow of John Botzchea, who died Nov. 23, 2001. Her first husband, Daniel Smith Sr., died March 17, 1973. A son, Daniel Smith Jr., and two brothers also preceded her in death.

BOTZCHEA - Friends of Sophie Smith Botzchea, who died Saturday, March 5, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. Cunningham St. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew Orthodox Church, Lyndora, with the Rev. Joseph Wargo officiating. Burial will follow at the North Side Cemetery.Panachida services will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.Please visit the funeral home Web site at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.