Sophie Frankow Demczuk

Sophie Demczuk, age 86, passed away on November 8, 2021 at Troy Beaumont Hospital with her children surrounding her Sophie was born on December 14, 1934. Wherever Sophie went she brought sunshine with her love, laughter and kindness. The daughter of Jacob & Katherine Frankow, she was born in Kalnikow, Poland near the Wisznia River. Sophie was the youngest of five children and dearly loved her sisters Mary, Katherine, Anna and brother Joseph. From a young age she learned the importance of family, friends and faith. As the owner of the town's general store, her father taught Sophie the importance of helping others. She would observe her father assisting people who came to the store but could not afford the food or supplies they needed. During World War II, Sophie aided her parents in sheltering a young Jewish family from the Nazis. Sophie would discretely bring food and even toys to their hidden location on her family's property. After the war this family came back to thank Sophie and her family and even provided the girls with gifts such as custom handmade dresses. Sophie loved learning and moved to the nearby city of Przemysl to obtain a teaching degree. After graduating she turned down a prestigious job in the city so she could "sow the seeds of knowledge" to poor children in the villages. Sophie spent long days teaching class then tutoring illiterate adults in the evening. Celebrating life was always important to Sophie and she loved the arts. Sophie loved teaching dance and theatre classes when she had the opportunity. Sophie later took a teaching position in the city of Stalowa Wola where she met a lifelong friend Christina. Sophie's father died in 1962, ten years after she lost her mother at a young age. With her parents gone, Sophie was persuaded by her friend Christina, who now lived in Chicago, and sister Anna, who had moved to Detroit, to come to the United States. In 1964 she met her husband Peter Demczuk who had come to Detroit from Ukraine. They were engaged on beautiful Belle Isle and honeymooned in New York and Washington, D.C. Sophie always loved gardening and flowers. On her honeymoon she began her rose garden collection by bringing home rose cuttings from special gardens. In 1965, Sophie was overjoyed to give birth to their daughter, Rose Halena. A son, Peter Arthur came along in 1967. Sophie wanted to instill her love of learning in her children and took them to the library every weekend. Her dream was for them to grow up to become independent and well educated. In 1973, the family moved to Warren, where Sophie began her spectacular rose garden and always loved having family, friends and neighbors come visit her. Sophie especially loved celebrating traditions and holidays with her family, sister Anna's family and numerous friends. She enjoyed cooking and baking the various delicious Polish and Ukrainian treats for her family and friends. The sharing of her delicious food was one way in which she demonstrated her love. She also never missed an opportunity to sing or dance with joy! Sophie loved to travel and took her children for a three-month vacation to Poland in 1978. The family also enjoyed trips to Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, Niagara Falls, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego and Mexico. Summers were partially spent Up North at Lexington, Michigan or Mackinac City. Most weekends included a trip to Metropolitan Beach, Stoney Creek or one of the Ukrainian resorts such as Kiev or Dibrova. After her children were grown, Sophie would spend several winter months each year vacationing with her friends in Hawaii. In addition to becoming a cosmetologist in her new home country, Sophie invested in real estate and rental properties. Sophie was grateful that she and her sister Anna, were always able to help their family in Poland. This included bringing the two sisters to the United States for numerous lengthy vacations and building new homes for their sisters in Poland. Sophie felt very blessed with her life and always believed in giving back and helping others, whether family or an individual in need or a worthwhile charity. Sophie also enjoyed writing and was pleased to have several of her poems published. After her children were married, Sophie was thrilled to have the Magsoudis and Taylors become part of her growing family. Sophie loved becoming a grandmother in 1996. She absolutely adored all five of her grandchildren and beamed with joy when she could be with them. Her role as a teacher was always present, as she taught them the importance of education, faith, being kind, always trying your best and helping others. Even after suffering a stroke in early 2014, which left her a hemiplegic, Sophie's sunny disposition never changed. She continued to have a positive attitude and always create smiles and make many new fiends, including at Wellbrdge of Romeo. Even in her eighties, she cherished teaching her children and grandchildren how to live a good life and embrace each day as a precious gift. Sophie would still "light up like a child on Christmas morning" with her radiant smile when she would hear of her grandchildren's experiences and accomplishments. Sophie's abundant love, kindness and wisdom will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sophie is survived by her daughter Rose Demczuk (Mehrod Magsoudi), son Peter Demczuk (Colleen Taylor), grandchildren Alexa Magsoudi, Tessa Magsoudi, Sarah Demczuk, Daniel Demczuk & Charlie Demczuk and numerous dear friends and family. Sophie was predeceased by her husband Peter, parents and siblings. There will be a funeral Mass at St. Clement of Romeo (343 South Main St., Romeo) on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., with a viewing before Mass, immediately followed by a luncheon and then interment at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. In lieu flowers donations can be made to St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church.