Sophia Johnson

Sophia (Sophie) Johnson, 97, died peacefully Friday, December 31, 2021 at the Bishop Noa Home, to be reunited with her beloved husband and family. She was born in Escanaba, MI on October 1, 1924. She was the youngest of five children born to Russian immigrants Fred and Mary (Postuchow) Lalaeff. They grew up in the Riverland area on land that her father cleared with horses. During the school months, Sophie lived in Escanaba in a building that her father owned in Northtown near the ore docks, while her parents stayed on the farm. She would walk to school every day and often walked home for lunch. After graduating from Escanaba High School Sophie began a 34-year career with Michigan Bell as a phone operator, retiring in 1980.

Sophia married Lloyd V. Johnson on January 15, 1946, when he was discharged from the Army, after serving overseas during WWII. They were married for 47 years, living in Wells and later in north Escanaba. They enjoyed several trips over the years, including to Russia, New Orleans, Florida, and Arizona. Sophie enjoyed playing cards, fishing, walking, raising her German Schnauzers, and cooking. Sophie loved eating, but was proud that she maintained her goal weight for over 30 years in Tops and Silver and Gold diet groups, where she made many lifelong friends. After retirement, once every summer she rode her bike to the water plant and back home, alone.

Sophia was a long-time member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and helped in the quilting group for over 30 years.

Sophia is survived by her special niece, Louise (Darwin) Nault of Gladstone; and nephew, David (Peggy)Wickman of Niles, MI; and cousins, Ida Nord and Shirley Siegler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lloyd, in 2003; brothers, Michael and Alex; sisters, Olga Sigan and Mary Wickman; nephew, Russell Wickman; and Lloyd's brothers and sisters, Chester Johnson, Arthur (Bob) Johnson, Cora Larsen, Edna Johnson, Thelma Swanson, and Lodema Ward.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Sophie will follow at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lon Hider officiating. A luncheon will be held at the conclusion of the services. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church or  the Delta Animal Shelter. 

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