Sophia Ann Spalenka

Sophie/Sue Spalenka, nee Dudek, passed away November 6, 2025 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Sue was born July 18, 1930 into a large Polish family in South Lawndale, Chicago, Ill. She outlived five brothers and two sisters. Sue was the daughter of Josef and Anna Dudek. Sue spoke Polish before she learned English and was proud of her Polish heritage. Sue was invited to a dance by her sister Jane when she was 18 years old and met Seaman Rudy Spalenka. Seaman Rudy was enchanted by Sue's infectious personality and love of dancing and wasted no time proposing. Sue followed Rudy to California where he was currently serving aboard a naval warship not realizing she would become a navy wife for 30 years. Sue loved traveling to Rudy's various duty stations and was particularly charmed by their tour in Japan as evidenced by her large assortment of Japanese items decorating their many homes. Rudy was commissioned a Lieutenant JG in Hawaii in 1961 kicking off a life for Sue of a Naval Officer's wife that Sue dearly loved. Sue and Rudy retired to both Keysville, Va. and the Tidewater area where Sue took on the persona of the Lady in Red. Many of her local friends knew her by that persona. Lt RJ Spalenka passed away in 1993 and was buried in Quantico, Va. Sue's wish was to be buried with her sailor when that time came.

Sue leaves behind a son, Rick Spalenka married to Anne Spalenka, nee Kimsey who have two sons, Josef and Brian and four grandchildren, Graham, Lyra, Angel and Ellie. A daughter Cricket Pietsch, nee Spalenka, married to Keith Pietsch who have two sons, Justin and Trent and two grandchildren, Camden and Easton. And a son, James Spalenka married to Coni, nee Barber, who have three children, Heather, Hunter and Baili. Even though Rick and Cricket now reside out west, Jim remained in the Tidewater area and was available for all of Sue's needs.

Sue passed peacefully in her sleep with her family close by. Sue will have her wish to be with her sailor at Quantico.