Sophia Valkanoff, 94, formerly of Okemos, Mich., Pompano Beach, Fla. and Pearl, Miss., passed away and was reunited with her husband, Chris, on April, 29, 2020, in Jackson, Miss., after a short illness.
Sophia was born in Windsor, Ont., on November 28, 1925 and had a wonderful marriage of 69 years to her husband, Chris Valkanoff, who passed away in 2015.
They owned the Midway Cafe on Cedar Street in Lansing, Mich., for 20-plus years. She also worked for Baryames Cleaners and First of America Bank in East Lansing.
After retirement, they moved to Pompano Beach, Fla. and became active in owning Standardbreds. It became their passion and hobby. In 2009, a horse they bred, Whosgoinwhosstayin, was the three-year-old Florida trotter of the year and the Valkanoffs were named the Standardbred breeders of the year in Florida.
Surviving to cherish her memory is her sister, Luba (Frank) Forbes; brother, Gordon (Pat) Stoney; daughters, Christine (John) McGraw and Denise (Jack) Stein; sons, Dennis (Miki) and David (Cindy); grandchildren, Stacey (Rob) Porritt, Kevin (Kara) McGraw, Jeff (Kim) Stein, Joe (Trish) Stein, Andrew (Christina), Austin, Alexis and Morgan; great-grandchildren, Zach, Mara, Anna, Landon, Griffin, Abigail, Isabel, Hailey, Trevor, Sydney, Jack Jr., Addison, Anderson and Anna Clare.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Home Care Hospice, In memory of Sophia Valkanoff, 13 Northtown Dr., Suite 100, Jackson, MA 39211.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Sophia Valkanoff.
(USTA)