Obituary: Sophia Emma (Wailonis) Solberg

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Sophia Emma (Wailonis) Solberg
Sophia Emma (Wailonis) Solberg

OXFORD — Sophia Emma (Wailonis) Solberg, 96, died peacefully at the Middlebury Convalescent Home June 19, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of Ernest W. Solberg, with whom she enjoyed a wonderful 55-year marriage.

A lifelong resident of Oxford and communicant of St. Francis Church in Naugatuck, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marcella Wailonis, and was predeceased by siblings, Josephine, Ann, Joseph and John. “Sophie” truly had a zest for life and loved caring for family and friends. She lived independently until her last year and never lost her youthful enthusiasm.

Sophie and Ernie were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sophie was predeceased by her youngest son, Robert (Gwen) of Chicago, Ill., and leaves William (Norma) of Oxford, James (Kathleen) of Darien, and Loreen Sanctuary (Ronald) of Middlebury.

The family would like to thank the Middlebury Convalescent Home staff for their loving care and support over the past many months.

Her grandson, the Rev. Derek Solberg of Bethesda, Md., presided over a private graveside service and celebration of Sophie’s life held Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck was in charge of all funeral arrangements.