Sophie Spaich, 95, Talented Vocalist

Born in Homestead, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1918, she had lived in Lorain since her childhood. For the past seven years, Mrs. Spaich had been a resident of the caring community at Avon Oaks Nursing Home.

An east side pioneer of Lorain, Sophie was a survivor of the great tornado of 1923 that did extensive damage to her neighborhood.

She received an athletic letter from Longfellow School for her achievements as a member of the school’s softball team. During World War II, Mrs. Spaich was employed as an administrative assistant at the Thew Shove Company.

A former parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, she was a talented vocalist and was a former member of the Mother Singers at Larkmoor Elementary School. More recently, she continued to share her gift of music as a soloist for the Singin’ Folks at Avon Oaks. In her free time she enjoyed reading, and embroidery; additional interests included watching movies and playing trivia.

She is survived by her sons John G. Spaich, Jr. (Barbara) of Avon Lake and David Spaich of Lorain, along with her daughter Sharon A. Skolnicki residing in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. She also leaves grandchildren Mark Skolnicki (Kaarina Ornelas), Thomas Skolnicki (Kevin Kane), and Beth Weese (Timothy).

Sophie was preceded in death by her husband John G. Spaich, Sr. in 1993, by her parents, by brothers Nick Rogers and John Ofandiski, and by her sister Theodora “Fannie” Harlow.

Friends may call Sunday November 9th from 4 until 8 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Reverend Daniel O. Divis, pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Activities Fund at Avon Oaks Skilled Nursing Center, 37800 French Creek Road, Avon, OH 44011.

To share your condolences with Sophie’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.