Fall River woman who gave decades to Fall River School System, many community organizations, passes away

OBITUARY

Beverly Soja Nawrocki, age 87, of Fall River, MA, the wife of the late Stephen J. Nawrocki, to whom she had been married for 56 years, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

She is survived by five children and seven grandchildren: Patricia N. Murphy and her partner Stephen E. Heffernan of Plymouth, MA and Patty’s children Ryan (wife, Isabella) and Cailin (husband, Thomas); Michael S. Nawrocki and his wife Jennifer of Berkley, MA, and their children Zachary and Emily (fiance, Joshua); Stephen R. Nawrocki and his wife Mary of Medfield, MA, and their children Madeline and Benjamin; Brian E. Nawrocki of Jupiter, FL; and Gregory J. Nawrocki and his husband Jason of Fall River, MA, and Greg’s son Simon. She is also survived by her sisters, Karen M. Martin of Kettering, OH and Gail A. Soja of Somerset, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born in Fall River, MA, on March 17, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Richard A. Soja and Eugenia J. Soja. Beverly was a 1956 graduate of BMC Durfee High School of Fall River and a 1960 graduate of D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY.

Beverly began her career as a Medical Records Administrator, working at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC, Union Hospital in New Bedford, MA, and Fall River General Hospital in Fall River. In 1967, Beverly changed careers, and she was appointed as a teacher in the Fall River School System, where she devoted 33 years to education before retiring in 2001. During her tenure, she taught at various elementary schools throughout the city.

Beverly was active in many organizations throughout her life. She served as Secretary of the Polish Business & Professional Club and President of the Catholic Women’s Club. She was also a member of the Junior League of Fall River, the Fall River Educators Association, and the Bristol County Teachers Association. One of her favorite groups was the LOLAs, the Ladies On the Loose Association, a monthly lunch group of cherished friends.

After retirement, Beverly and Steve spent their winters in North Palm Beach, Florida. She was also a member of the Westport Yacht Club, where she enjoyed time with friends on the beach, often with a glass of wine (with ice!) in hand. Affectionately known as “Mommo” to her grandchildren, Beverly devoted herself to their lives just as she had to her own children, whom she considered “her finest work.” She rarely missed an opportunity to attend their many activities, from sporting events and recitals to plays and concerts, and took immense pride in each of their accomplishments.

Needlepoint was one of Beverly’s greatest passions. With love and care, she created needlepoint Christmas stockings, collegiate emblems, ring bearer pillows, and dozens of framed pieces for each of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren, along with family and friends.

Her funeral will begin at 9:00am on Monday, June 15, 2026 from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River. Interment will take place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. Visiting hours will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the BMC Durfee High School Stephen J. Nawrocki & Class of 1954 Scholarship, c/o Durfee Alumni Association, PO Box 2519, Fall River, MA 02722. For online registration or directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com.