Sonia Patzsch

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Sonia Patzsch created a vibrant tapestry of memories with those she loved. Her unwavering heart was generous and selfless in all she said and did as she used her time and talents for the benefit others. She lovingly raised and looked after her family, always placing their needs and well being before her own. Nothing in life was more important to Sonia than seeing the smiling faces of those she loved. With a heart of gold, Sonia lived her life in service to others and was a light to everyone she knew.

Just as the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped strengthen the economy with the establishment of the minimum wage law in 1938. It was also a year filled with new technology, cartoons and movie greats. Yet in the Michigan city of Detroit, anticipation filled the hearts of Mike and Stephanie Scibor on September 1, 1938 when they were blessed with the birth of their little girl, Sonia Shirley Scibor. Baptized as an infant, Sonia and her family were devout to their Catholic faith.

Having grown up in the community of Warrendale, a suburb of Detroit before moving to Dearborn Heights, young Sonia enjoyed a childhood usual for the times. Raised in a typical Polish American home, her father was a hard working man who owned a gas station in town while her mother, a homemaker, looked after Sonia and her sister, Nancy. As a young girl, Sonia loved roller skating and ice skating. She attended the local schools, and during her teen years she spent memorable times enjoying trips to the Twin Lakes.

At the age of 16, Sonia acquired her first job working at an area soda shop. When a handsome young man named Larry Patzsch walked in and was waited on by Sonia, she became smitten right from the start. Needless to say, the feeling was mutual and before long the couple began a dating relationship.

Sonia and Larry shared much in common, including the very same birthday. They loved going on picnics and for long rides, and in no time professed their love. After dating for a while and following Sonia's graduation from Ladywood High School in Livonia, they shared vows of marriage. They celebrated their union with a festive Polish wedding, and with approximately 800-1,000 in attendance, the festivities continued from Friday until Sunday. It was the beginning of what would become 57 years of shared happiness and the joy of sharing their love with a family all their own.

Along with raising their two sons, Larry and Mike, Sonia worked outside their home, too. She was employed by Kresge's Dime Store for a time, she later worked at Bill Wing Chevy as a receptionist. After having children she began to sell Tupperware and cleaned houses on the side.

Sonia made a good home for her husband and boys. She was involved with their school activities, and took a keen interest in their social life, too. Her home was always open the kid's friends where everyone was welcome. Sonia loved to cook and made enough to feed an army let alone the three men in her charge. She enjoyed making their favorite dishes and desserts, and of course, her Polish dishes were always well sought after.

Celebrating the Christmas holiday always held a special place in Sonia's heart. She had a way all her own of making the season bright, and especially made certain the reason for the season was honored in her home. Sonia relished each time her family got together. Whether Christmas, Easter, or celebrating the kids and grandkids birthdays, Sonia loved all family gatherings.

In addition to her many talents as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, Sonia was quite active at her church, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. She also enjoyed golf, and took ceramic classes over the years making adorable craft figurines, especially for Easter and Christmas. She made beautiful nativity sets which continue to be priceless treasures. Sonia's love of family also included her furry friends and house pets. She had a distinct love for animals.

An avid Michigan sports fan, some of Sonia's favorite teams included the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers, but the Red Wings were always at the top of her list. She loved Polish melodies which could often be heard throughout their home, along with the sounds of Elvis, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra. When it came to TV, she always made sure to have the kitchen cleaned up and the dishes put away before NCIS came on.

From her earliest years, Sonia had a smile that could light up a room. She gave selflessly to others, and loved her family beyond compare. In all she did, Sonia did by example and gave of her time freely. Although no one can fill her shoes, Sonia leaves to cherish her memory countless memories that will be held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Sonia Patzsch, age 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, August 30, 2014. She was the loving wife of Larry for 57, beautiful years; dear mother of Larry (Krista) and Mike; beloved grandmother of Trevor, Riley, and Brandon. Sonia's family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 2-9pm at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Road (between Middlebelt and Merriman) with a Rosary at 7pm. The Mass of Christian burial will take place Wednesday, September 3, 2014, 10:30am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 2710 West Chicago (at Inkster Road) with instate beginning at 10:00am until the Mass begins. Interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery. Please visit www.TurowskiLifeStory.com where you may sign Sonia's guestbook, upload a photo, or share a memory.