Sophia Rosemarie Gazader (née Sulang) September 2, 1969 – May 20, 2025 With deep love and profound gratitude for her life, we announce the homegoing of Sophia Rosemarie Gazader, a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, aunt, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Sophia passed away peacefully at her home in Ocala, Florida, on May 20, 2025, at the age of 55.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Sophia's early life was shaped by both challenges and an unwavering spirit of resilience and faith. She encountered Jesus at the age of ten while attending a Seventh-day Adventist Church and was baptized there at twelve. In 1999, she fully rededicated her life to Christ at Harvest Fire Worship Center and her relationship with the Lord became the anchor of her soul, while never looking back. Sophia attended Holy Childhood High School in Jamaica, where she was a proud member of the swim team. She loved being on the team and excelled at it. Around the age of 18, she also briefly modeled clothing for a Jamaican fashion designer. Soon after, determined to build a better future, Sophia pursued her passion for beauty and business. She graduated from Leon School of Beauty in Kingston with a Cosmetology License and also attended Duff Business College, where she completed several business courses. After completing her education, she began working at a local salon and eventually fulfilled her dream of opening and owning her own. Sophia moved to the United States in 1993 and lived in New York, Miami, and eventually made her home in Ocala. She and her husband, Daniel Gazader, built their life together in service and humility, working tirelessly in their early years to provide for their family. Sophia found her calling in the hospitality industry, serving as a Night Auditor and Front Desk Clerk at several Marriott hotels, where she touched countless lives with her warmth, diligence, and grace.  She was an active member of her community and served faithfully in several churches, including Harvest Fire Worship Center in Miami. After moving to Ocala, she attended Old Ship of Zion where she became an ordained minister. Later, she continued her spiritual journey with Crossroads Ministries, and most recently Ignite Ministries. Her dedication to ministry was evident, not only in her official role as a Minister of the gospel, but in every act of service and compassion she gave.  Sophia's kindness was truly remarkable. She consistently prioritized the needs of others, always finding meaningful ways to show up for the people in her life. Her giving heart knew no bounds, extending even to the homeless and less fortunate-she made sacrifices both big and small to offer kindness, even whilst she faced struggles of her own.  She was a devoted mother who took special pride in her children and poured her love into raising them. Sophia cherished her family and friends and never missed an opportunity to bring people together-whether hosting a celebration or simply making others feel at home. With her exceptional ability to cook and decorate, she created spaces filled with warmth, joy, and beauty. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.  Sophia was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. After chemotherapy, radiation, and a lumpectomy, she went into remission in 2014. Sadly, the cancer returned in 2019 as stage IV metastatic disease. Though it had spread to her spine and beyond, she remained strong, undergoing multiple treatments including surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and later chemotherapy. In 2025, her body could no longer sustain the effects of treatment.  She experienced a rapid decline due to liver failure caused by chemotherapy-induced cirrhosis, but she did not suffer.  Surrounded by family and comforted by love, she passed away peacefully at home, just as she wished. In her final days, Sophia knew her time was near. She spoke of going home to the Lord, expressing peace and readiness in her heart. She was not afraid, resting in the assurance of her eternal home.  Sophia lived a life wholly devoted to serving God. She carried the love of Jesus Christ with her throughout her life and shared it everywhere she went. Whether through her words, her prayers, or her quiet acts of kindness, she was a beacon of faith, love, and hope. To know her was to feel the presence of Christ. Her faith was not only her foundation-it was her legacy. Sophia is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Gazader (62); her children, Ramesh (36), Rayan (29), Alec (28), Chadrick (24); her stepdaughter, Danielia Gazader (30); her mother, Dorothy Patterson; her sisters, Racquel Sulong, KerryAnn Patterson, and Gabrielle Patterson-Alvarado; her stepbrother, Christopher Patterson; and her grandchildren, Harper, Zayan, and Azriel Gazader. She also leaves behind her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends and church family whose lives she deeply touched.

Funeral services will be  Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Ignite Ministries Church, 7173 SW Hwy 200  Ocala, FL 34476.  Visitation beginning at 11am, services to follow and burial at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens in Ocala at 2:00pm.

Baldwin Brothers Silver Springs Chapel is coordinating arrangements.  (352) 236-5884.