She was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 29, 1924 to John and Dorothy Merich and later graduated from West High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sophie married Michael Pavich in Chicago on February 2, 1947. She worked primarily as a truant officer for the Chicago Board of Education and was an honorary member of the Circle of Serbian Sisters of St. Sava and Honorary Member of St. Archangel Michael Church Kolo of Serbian Sisters. Sophie passionately supported and was a proud owner of the Green Bay Packers.
Sophie is survived by her son, Robert (Marcia) Pavich, daughter, Sharon (Fred) Frigo, son, Michael (Susan) Pavich, and daughter, Susan Rogers; 9 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Emily; sister-in-law, Daisy Merich; and many nieces and nephews. Those her preceded her in death include her husband, Michael, who passed away in 2001; her parents; sister, Mitzie and her brother, Milan.
A viewing for Sophie will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 4436 E McKinley St., Phoenix, Arizona 85008, followed by her funeral service from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. After services at St. Sava, Sophie will be laid to rest in a graveside service at Green Acres Cemetery - 401 N Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona 85257.
All are welcome to a luncheon reception in honor of Sophie back at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sophie's memory to St. Paisius Monastery, 10250 Sky Blue Road - Safford, AZ 85546 (Tele: 928-348-4900), and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of Phoenix, AZ (Tele: 602-275-7360).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Pavich family.
