Sophie A. Johnson

Born Sofia Jaros in Superior April 9, 1922, she grew up the middle child of seven, born at home during a spring blizzard. Her classmates called her Sophie.

During WWII Sophie was one of the first female meter readers in Wisconsin. At a dance hall party where her parents were celebrating paying off their mortgage, she met a guy who was the big brother of a friend and classmate and hockey player teammate of her brother Zenon’s, Richard (Rich), an Army Air Corp Navigator. After dancing he took her white scarf “for luck”. She and Rich corresponded and when Rich was home on leave again, they married, and she legally changed her name to Sophie. She traveled by bus to Florida to join Rich during the war.

After the war the couple returned to WI, living in housing on Bradford Beach until they were able to qualify for the lottery of new Greendale Original housing, purchasing their first home for $8550.00. She resided in Greendale from 1947 until 2023. She and Rich had many friends in Greendale and did round robin poker parties for years. They also danced, especially to Big Band and Polka music. Music was a big part of Sophie’s life and she always said she loved listening to “jumpy” music. Tony Bennett was her favorite. She also loved Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers games.

She loved being part of the Greendale community. She attended St. Alphonsus Catholic Church for 75+ years and was a longtime volunteer for church functions. Sophie worked at the Kroger Grocery store in Greendale as well as selling Avon products. She also worked for JC Penney’s for over 20 years.

Sophie is survived by her children Richard Lee and Judith (John) Boehm.

Sophie was preceded in death by her husband Richard E (Rich), parents Stanley from Poland and Zofia (ne: Kuz) from Ukraine, siblings Mary, Alexander, Zenon, Stella, Frances, Anthony as well as other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the MAX A. SASS GREENRIDGE CHAPEL (4747 S 60th St., Greenfield) from 9:30 AM until the 11:00 AM service. Burial will take place in Good Hope Cemetery, Milwaukee.

A special thank you from the family to Allay Home & Hospice for their compassionate care. Any donations can be made to Allay Home & Hospice, The Greendale Historical Society or the charity of your choice.