Zofia Martin

Sophie Martin, age 67, long time resident of DeFuniak Springs, passed away late Saturday evening, May 25, 2013 in North Okaloosa Medical Center. She was born November 18, 1945 in Bialystok, Poland, the daughter of Stanislaw and Irena Miniczewski Wilczewski. She moved from Poland at the age of eighteen to the United States with five dollars in her pocket and a suitcase to escape oppression of Communist rule in Poland. Sophie’s first few years in the US were spent in New York where she quickly learned English and fell in love with her adopted country. She then lived in New Jersey for several years before she followed her parents to DeFuniak Springs. She was a very hard working and loving woman who took care of her family and never met a stranger. She had a tremendous joy of cooking and loved talking about food. Her passion for food was passed on to her two sons who both work in the restaurant industry. She was also a very talented quilt maker and seamstress who sewed for the public for many years. Sophie Martin was a beautiful person that embodied dignity and grace, a true lady. She is predeceased by her parents and a son Waldemar Jacak.

Among survivors are her sons, Henry Kozlowski of Destin; Robert Martin and wife Dawn of DeFuniak. Her grandsons, Connor and Colton Martin; her brothers, Stefan Wilczewski and Teddy Wilczewski and wife Jackie all of DeFuniak Springs. She also leaves behind three nieces, Jennifer, Stormy and April and a nephew, Christopher and their families.

Floral arrangements are being accepted. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel with Reverend Rick Dawson officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilczewski Family Plot in Magnolia Cemetery.