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Calumet Park Funeral Chapel - Merrillville

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Merrillville, Indiana

Sophia Shapkaroff Obituary

SOPHIA SHAPKAROFF MONDOVI, WI/GARY, IN
On Thursday, February 25, 2016 Sophia (Koleff) Shapkaroff ended her battle with Alzheimer's disease at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi, WI. Sophia was born on September 20, 1923 to Peter and Mary Koleff in Mansfield, OH. Sophia grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. She worked hard to help her family in Mansfield. On April 27, 1947 she married Michael V. Shapkaroff and began the next chapter of her life in Gary, IN. To this marriage four children were born, Vasil, Michael, Kathleen and Marlene. Sophia was a wonderful homemaker, a great cook and baker. She worked as a Manager of Three Sisters in the Village Shopping Center in Gary for many years. She along with many others worked tirelessly to bring the first Macedonian Orthodox Church to the United States in Gary, IN. She was an active member and past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. Sophia's church was an important part of her life. Sophia is survived by her four children: Vasil (Nancy) Shapkaroff of Clayton, CA; Michael G. Shapkaroff of Mondovi, WI; Kathleen Stelzleni of Mondovi, WI and Marlene Trieschman of Yorba Linda, CA; six grandchildren: Cory (Brian) Kale of Crown Point, IN; Kate Shapkaroff of Traverse City, MI; Michael Stelzleni of Mondovi, WI; Sarah Stelzleni of Boston, MA; Jonathan Stelzleni of Charleston, SC and Stephen Trieschman of Yorba Linda, CA; and five great grandchildren: Hannah, Lila, Sophia, Alayna and Mara. Sophia was preceded in death by her husband Michael, her parents, a sister Daisy George, a brother Geroge Koleff and two infant grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral 9660 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307 with Rev. Georgij Gligorov. Friends are invited to meet with the family at 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN on Saturday, March 5, 2016. In lieu of flowers the family requests donation be made to your local Alzheimer's Association or Sts. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church. For further service information please call 219-736-5840. www.calumetparkfuneralchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times on Mar. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

March 9, 2016

Vas, Kathy, Michael, Marlene - I just heard two days ago of your mom's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. She was a great and classic lady. I tried so many times to call you over the last few yrs but ph. nos were neither in service or disconnected. You know, she and my mom (they're together now)were the best of buddies. I have many of her recipes and think of her every time I use her recipe. She will always have a special place in my heart and I will miss her even more. My prayers are with all of you! Bridget Bowman

Marlene Hiduke

March 5, 2016

We are very sorry for your loss, Vasil, Michael, Kathy and Marlene and families. As you know, we were good friends with Sophie and have a lot of wonderful memories from church and social gatherings. May she rest in peace, Bog da go prosti and know that we are thinking of you all and praying for you. Dorothy Ristich and family

Dave & Valerie Chnupa

March 4, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.

March 3, 2016

My name is Patty Sowa (Thompson)We lived next door to the Shapkaroff Family in Gary, In. (The bungalow next door). I will never forget when Sophia would cook spaghetti sauce in the basement. It was so AWESOME. She would have the basement window ajar, and when I went out in the back yard to play, I could smell the spaghetti sauce simmering. I would peek my head in the window, and Sophia said come on over for supper. Best spaghetti in the world. Miss the 1950's. R.I.P. Sophia.

March 3, 2016

i am sorry I cannot be there Vas. pLease say hello to Nancy, Kate and Corey. Marilyn and I send our condolences. Glenn Clapp

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Calumet Park Funeral Chapel - Merrillville

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