Sophia Loizos Handy Obituary (1925 - 2009)

“Sonia” Sophia was born in American Fork, Utah on September 25, 1925. She passed away July 29, 2009, the second child of Greek immigrants, Christ Loizos and Angelica Takanikos. Sophia was primarily raised on the family farm in Murray, Utah. She graduated from Granite High School in 1943. Sophia fell in love with dancing and taught at the Arthur Murray Studios, something she forever treasured. She also worked as a waitress at Lambs Café. Later she moved to LA where she married Gordon D. Handy in 1960. In 1961 twins, Larry and Lisa, were born. Sophia worked for the police dept. and the welfare dept. in LA and moved back to Murray in 1969 where she worked as a legal secretary for 3rd District Juvenile Court under Judge Regnald Garff and Referree Birrell for over 30 years. As a single mother, Sophia raised her children with tenacity, often taking two jobs as needed to make ends meet. She knew the value of hard work and never shied away from doing her best. She had strong opinions, a tremendous sense of style and loved her Greek roots. She was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Sophia is survived by her son, Larry; daughter, Lisa Handy Corbett (Jeff Lenart); grandson, Christian Corbett; sister, Connie Cardon; brother, Sam Loizos; brother-in-law, Charles Teed; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Wilma Loizos Teed; brothers, Jim Loizos, Tom Loizos; sister-in-law, “Vic” Loizos; niece, Christina Ipson; and uncle, George Lamb. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Utah and the Coventry. The viewing will be Friday, August 7, 2009 from 6-8 p.m. at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 So. State Street, in Murray. The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 So. Highland Drive, in Holladay. A viewing will also be held at the church one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the Murray City Cemetery.