Sophia Palmer

Sophia Palmer affectionately, known as Yiayia / Mim, passed away on April 30, at the age of 91. Sophia passed away at home, in bed, in the presence her loving family. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on January 19, 1934 to Greek immigrant parents, Michael and Catherine Peponis.

Sophia's first job was at Michigan Bell Telephone Company where she worked as a switch board operator. She then became a receptionist at East Side General Hospital in Detroit where she later learned medical transcription. She worked at several different hospitals as a Medical Transcriptionist. Throughout her long career, she was able to balance work and parenthood. 

Sophia was predeceased by Jack, her husband of 72 years. The strong love they had for each other carried them through life's many challenges. She was a warm and loving mother to Catherine Reitano, Michael Palmer and a loving mother in law to Alfio Retano who she treated like a son. Sophia loved and will be greatly missed by her siblings, Theodora Manousos (Vasili), Costandinos Peponis ( Margaret) and the late Christopher Peponis (Margarita) along with her grandchildren, Jason and Krissa, her great-grandchildren, Amber, Jason, Bruce and Dominique and great-great-grandchildren, Skylar, Ryder and Cameron. 

Sophia and Jack loved to travel. Some of their favorite trips were to Hawaii, California, Chicago, and the New England states. They also traveled overseas to Spain, Africa and Greece, where they visited Sophia's relatives. Tennessee and Harsens Island we're especially dear to them as they had homes and properties there and spent several months a year staying at each. For the past 14 years they lived on Leonard Lake where they could be found sitting on their back deck, marveling at the wonders of nature and thankful for their good fortune. 

Sophia was a homemaker at heart. She loved to cook, sew, refinish furniture, garden, paint and decorate her homes. She was a devoted grandmother great grandmother and great great grandmother. She spent countless hours devoted to play and make believe with them. She loved music, played the piano and the omnicord but always laughed at the fact that she couldn't swim or ride a bike. Her wonderful and sometimes unusual sense of humor will never be forgotten. She loved animals, had both cats and dogs and could not resist a stray. 

The impact she made on her family and friends will remain in our hearts forever. We will never forget her love, kindness, loyalty and importance of family and friends. May she continue to guide us all throughout our lives. Sophia, may you, Go Rest High Upon that Mountain.