Obituary of Sophia Umecki Wilson

Wilson, Sophia Umecki (Smith) Freeland, Michigan After a lengthy illness, Sophia Umecki Wilson, passed away peacefully Monday, February 22, 2021, with her family by her side, at the age of 87. Sophia Umecki was born January 1, 1934, in Pinsk, Poland. She came to the United States in 1947 aboard the Merchant Marine Ship, SS Ernie Pyle, with her brother, Jan, and sister, Maria. She was adopted by Clayton Leroy and Francis (Sproul) Smith, Saginaw, MI. They preceded her in death. Sophia Umecki Smith graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1952. She married Byron “Barney” A. Wilson on June 26, 1954. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2006. Sophia became a U.S. citizen on December 17, 1953, and was proud to cast her first ballot in the presidential election on November 6, 1956. She worked in real estate as a broker, and also managed the Video Stop in Freeland for many years. Sophia enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed spending time with special friends, Doug and Louise Kant, and Jim and Gerry Hacker. Surviving are her two sons, Richard (Marcia) Wilson, and Raymond (Dawn) Wilson. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Nicholas (Sarah Simon) Wilson, Navy LSSN Jacob Wilson, Ryan (Brianna) Dixon, Leah (Joseph) McDonald, and Anna (Adam) Nowak. She was also blessed with many great grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister, Maria Bauer; sister-in-law, Carol Noffsinger; sister-in-law, Catherine Cotter; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Patricia Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Sophia was preceded in death by her brother, Jan Noffsinger; brothers-in-law Robert Cotter, and Donald Bauer; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Emery and Dorothy McGirr. Special thanks to Catherine Cotter for helping with the care of Sophia when needed, and the extraordinary staff at Barton Woods. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Southern Care Hospice Services, 6272 State Street, Saginaw, MI, 48603, Barton Woods Assisted Living, 9472 Kochville Road, Freeland, MI, 48623, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid Michigan 1-989-892-1772