Sophie was the beloved wife of James for 61 years; devoted mother of Kathy (Chris) Dimitriou, Victoria Kouzikas, and Steven (Arietta) Papas; cherished baba of Kristi (Cory) Maurer, Jim (Katie) Dimitriou, Dimitri, Steven, and Christian Kouzikas, and Sofia Papas; and dear great-grandmother of Avery and Caden Maurer, and Colette and Charlie Dimitriou. Loving sister of Sotir (Athena) Nitchov and Maria Vasiliadis.
Sophie came to America at the age of seventeen, leaving her war-torn country behind. Even though her childhood was a difficult one with the loss of her brother, Stefo, and father, Mite, in the war, you would never hear her complain. Happiness was waiting for her in America as soon after her arrival she married her beloved husband Jim, also from Trsye. She worked many different jobs, many at the same time, while raising her family: cleaning houses, working in factories, and as a custodian for Northville Schools where she worked until retirement. She was also an integral part in the restaurants run by her family. Even with this work, she maintained an immaculate home, cooked delicious food, and raised a loving family. She was an incredibly strong, loving, and caring woman. She was always there to lend a helping hand. She was always smiling, enjoying her family, and doing her best at all times. Maybe due to this people would often wonder, "Why is everything better at Baba's house?" She was the shining light in our family and will be incredibly missed.
A visitation for Sophie will be held Sunday, April 1, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan. A trisagion will occur Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 7:00 PM, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 2, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St Clement Ohridski Orthodox Church, 19600 Ford Rd, Dearborn, Michigan. A funeral in state will occur Monday, April 2, 2018 at 9:30 AM at St Clement Ohridski Orthodox Church, 19600 Ford Rd, Dearborn, Michigan. A burial will occur at Glen Eden Memorial Park, 35667 W. Eight Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan.
Contributions in Sophie's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryjwillfuneralhome.com for the Papas family.
