Sophie Grabski Kovak

February 21, 2014

Sophie (Grabski) Kovak, 91, born to Walter and Lottie Grabski in Liverpool, passed away Friday at Upstate University Hospital after a brief illness. Sophie was a graduate of Vocational High School in Syracuse. Sophie married Mike Kovak in 1944 and moved to New York City. After the birth of their fourth child, they moved back to Syracuse and settled in Tipperary Hill area, where she was a lifelong member of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sophie was an avid bowler, she enjoyed polka dancing, trips with friends, St. Patty's day and SU basketball. Most of all she enjoyed her family especially her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Sophie was predeceased by her husband, Mike Kovak in 1983; two sisters, Virginia and Harriette; and two brothers, Ted and Edwin. She is survived by her brother, Richard (Barbara) Grabski, Fairport; sister-in-law, Jane Grabski, Syracuse; sons Richard (Carol) Kovak, Seattle, WA and Robert Kovak, Syracuse; daughters Sonja (Roger) Forell, East Syracuse and Tanya (Craig) Egan, Syracuse; her grandchildren Michelle, Ramon, Cory, Christina, Erica and Colin; and her great-grandchildren Brittany, Gibson, Daniel, Madeline and Cooper. Sophie was a wonderful person and will be forever missed. Services: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Giminski-Wysocki Funeral Home, Inc., 1320 W. Genesee St. in Syracuse. Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery in Geddes.