Obituary of Anne Marie Soika

Anne Marie (Friot) Soika passed away on September 28, 2024, at her daughter's home and under the care of her loving husband Robert. Anne and Robert have been happily married for over 50 years. Born July 3, 1949, to Howard and Hilda Friot, Anne Marie grew up in Heuvelton, NY, and was a sister to Joey Friot, Richard Friot, Lawrence Friot, Laura Pirie, and Cinci Weaver. Anne was a graduate of Russell Sage College where she met her husband (Robert) and life-long college friends, Janey and Cindy S. She looked forward to get-togethers and the 'donut' cards she received throughout the years. The letters always brought smiles to her face. While raising her family (and never missing a game or meet) she earned a Master's degree in Education from the College of St. Rose and became a dedicated educator for over 27 years. Anne taught Special Education, and Kindergarten through 3rd grade at Ichabod Crane. If you learned to read, write, or count at ICC, chances are Mrs. Soika helped along the way. She adored her students and enjoyed the friendships she fostered with the other teachers. Especially Betsy M, who would affectionately become known as 'Aunt Betsy' to Anne's grandchildren. As well as Corrie W, whose daughter Liz would ultimately become an integral part of Anne's extended family and caretaking team in later years. In retirement Anne quietly prepared food for children in need through the community "BackPack" program. She also spent her spare time as the voice and pen of Valentino - one of ICC's former therapy dogs - responding to letters the children wrote about their experiences with bullying. She was always happy and eager to help and to make a difference in children's lives. Anne was an avid gardener who maintained her beautiful flower beds almost as neat and orderly as the floors and countertops in her home. Weeds (or dust) didn't stand a chance on her watch! She loved touring her gardens with family and friends, and she especially enjoyed chatting with long-time friend and neighbor, Linda H., while viewing each other's plantings. Anne (and Robert) were parishioners of Kinderhook's St. Paul's Church, where Anne proudly kept linens spotless and crisply ironed. In later years, Anne greatly enjoyed her time riding to services with good friends Penny and Frank, who were always there to lend a hand. Anne is survived by husband Robert; son Douglas (Sara) Soika; daughter Carolyn (Charlie) Switzer; and grandchildren Kailey, Abigail, Julia, and Aiden. All of which she absolutely doted on. If there was one legacy Anne was most proud of, it was her grandchildren. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Anne's friends and caregivers Karin, Michele, Marya, Tish, Aja, and Joy. We couldn't have asked for a better team. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 40 Falls Road, Hudson, NY, on Friday, 5-8PM. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul's Church, 6 Sylvester St, Kinderhook, NY, on Saturday at 2PM. Internment will follow the funeral mass at the church's columbarium.