Sophie (Zofy) Kess passed away Friday, November 21, 2014 at the age of 96. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1918, was moved to Slovenia as a young child, returned to the US in her late teens, and immigrated to Canada in 1988 after the death of her husband, Joseph Kess. Sophie was an inspector at an airplane parts factory in Ohio before her retirement. After moving to Victoria, she was active in St. Patrick’s Parish. She travelled to Lourdes, Fatima, Medugorje, and the Holy Land, as well as Rome where she met Pope John Paul II. She played a very active role in the upbringing of her grandchildren, Joseph Anthony Kess and Christina Marie Kess Caldwell. Sophie was a talented baker of exceptional strudels which were a popular item at St. Patrick’s Bazaars for many years.
Sophie is survived by her only son, Dr. Joseph F. Kess of Victoria and his family; her sister, Karolina Kess; and her many relations in Slovenia and Cleveland.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:10 on Wednesday, November 26 at St. Patrick’s Church on Haultain Street. A burial service will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Parish.
The family wishes to express appreciation for the care and hard work of the staff of the Baptist Housing Authority who cared for Sophie in her final months.
Sophie Tribute
The book of Proverbs asks, “who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies.”
When scholars translated the Book of Proverbs into English, they looked at the original Hebrew word “chavil”, which is used to describe both the individual power or strength of men and the power of armies.
The woman they were describing was not a weak follower, but a strong leader: confident, brave, industrious, energetic, kind, and fair.
So the Book of Proverbs literally asks, “who can find a woman who is as powerful in body, mind, and spirit as a man?”
Well, I have an answer to that ancient question. I know where to find a virtuous woman. She was a member of our family, and she loved us.
Here is the rest of that passage from Proverbs, and as you hear it, think of Sophie. I use the King James version because of its poetry, with apologies to my Catholic family members and friends:
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Thank you, Sophie, for being our virtuous woman, and for protecting and loving us all.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Alix O'Grady
Sincere condolences Joe and warmest thoughts. Alix OG.