Obituary of Sophia Stafford

Sophia Stafford passed away in the arms of her children and the loving support of staff at Terrace Lodge on April 25, 2014 in her 91st year. Sophia was born January 26th 1924 in Dumitra, Romania, second daughter of Michael and Margaretha Linnerth and sister to Margaret. At the age of 3 Sophia and family immigrated to Canada, settling in Kitchener, Ontario where her parents worked diligently to learn the language, adopt the customs and to prosper in their chosen country. At the age of 15, Sophia accepted work at the Forsythe Shirt Company and later at Kaufman Rubber in Kitchener. In the early 1940's she moved with her parents to a farm in the Jaffa area where her parents constructed kilns and joined the growing number of tobacco farmers. It was on this farm that she met Charles C. Stafford who was helping to construct the kilns. After a brief courtship, they married and started their family. Together they raised four children, Margaret Vann (husband Harry) now of Orange Park, Florida, Robert Stafford (wife Barb) of Brampton, Susan Wiltsie (husband Russ) of Malahide, and Virginia DuBroy of Aylmer. Sophia and Charles became skilled at constructing homes, first on Charles family farm, followed by two homes in Cobourg and finally a home on the old Linnerth farm near Jaffa. Sophia and Charles also purchased and remodelled a cottage in Pt. Bruce where they loved to spend their summers. Sophia enjoyed a number of careers during her lifetime: Realtor with Thompson Realty, Cobourg, Tobacco Farming (curing tobacco, grading, as well as feeding the many workers), Cafeteria Staff at Imperial Tobacco, Aylmer, and Dining Staff at the Ontario Police College. She is best known by many as a loving caring woman who was also a gifted cook. To her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren she was a blessing as she truly lived the 'family first' lifestyle filling their bodies with wonderful foods, clothing them with handmade stylish creations, and lavishing them with endless love and support. Sophia is survived by 9 grandchildren Todd Vann (wife Rene), Jennifer Davis (husband Mike), Michael Stafford (wife Rena), Tricia Fenton, Kristin VanVelzer (husband Chuck), Amanda Thoonen (husband Leon), Brad Wiltsie (wife Ann), Denise Sprague, Jeffrey Sprague, and 14 great grandchildren, a sister-in-law Helen Melville (Vern) of Aylmer, brother-in-law Karl Stafford (Margaret) of Malahide, and sister-in-law Michelle Stafford of Aylmer,. She was predeceased by her husband Charles, sister Margaret Thompson (Jack), brother-in-law Fred Stafford, and sisters-in-law Shirley Redmond and Marion Heffren. As per Sophia's wishes, a private family service will be conducted following cremation. To honour those who cared so well for her in her final months, donations (through Kebbel Funeral Home) can be made to Terrace Lodge. Most sincere appreciation is extended to the staff at Terrace Lodge and to Dr. Green.