Connie Peer

Connie Peer passed away peacefully at Flower Hospital on November 16, 2021, with her family gathered around her. Connie was born on July 28, 1928. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Antonio and Carmella Sofo and her given name was Concetta Marie Sofo. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic grade school where she formed her first group of life-long friends. This group continued to gather for grade school reunions well into their senior years. Connie went on to become a proud graduate of Notre Dame Academy class of 1946. She and a group of her NDA classmates met regularly for luncheons throughout the years until she became the lone survivor of the group. In 1949, Connie married Paul Peer and they were blessed with four sons, Jim, Dave, Jeff and Paul. The boys’ school and sports defined the Peer family life. Connie and Paul’s strong work ethic was also engrained in each son, and they were at every football and baseball game without fail regardless of heat, snow, rain or cold. For almost 30 years, Connie worked alongside her brother, Joe Sofo, at the Sofo Italian Market, where she shared her recipes and authentic Italian cooking tips with customers. She and Joe were a force to be reckoned with when it came to Italian and Mediterranean food. Connie had a deep love for her brother. He could never have had a more loyal or trustworthy assistant to watch the store while he worked to diversify his business and was dedicated to his success. She took great pride in her Italian heritage. Connie was the trusted treasurer of the Italian Alba Club for over 50 years and was the treasurer of her condo association for more than 30 years retiring from both at the age of 92! Connie loved to be with friends and card playing was one of the many activities she and Paul enjoyed together, until his untimely death at the age of 49. Connie had numerous groups of friends over the years that enjoyed regular card parties where she delighted her guests with all sorts of specialties to snack on. In recent years, some of the best card games happened on Christmas Eve. Connie would play with her adult grandkids well into the night until she wore everyone out and would then share her disappointment at calling it a night. The real hallmark of Connie’s life was her love of her family. She always said she didn’t want for anything except for time with her family and friends. Her sons and their families were everything to her. We don’t think she or anyone else thought she’d live to see 93 after the damage she suffered in the car accident, but Connie was tough, strong-willed and loved the company of others. She carried on as a widow and made many friends, buried all her old friends, and made new friends again. Her strong Catholic faith led her to three Toledo parishes, St Anne’s for her early years until her marriage, St. Pius X while she and Paul raised their sons, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help where she spent her final years. She enjoyed them all and faithfully attended mass and participated in each parish. Survivors include sons, Jim Peer (Deb) and son Jimmy; Dave Peer (Mary Jo) and sons Dave II (Stefanie), Chris (Stephanie); Jeff Peer (Shelly) and daughters Christie Restivo (Joey), Laura Cox (Brandon), Kate Hall (John), Anne Peer (Shawn Merritt); Paul Peer (Lisa Ambrosetti) and daughters Sandra Perz (Nick), Megan Peer. Connie also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren; special sister-in-law, Jean Sofo; nieces, Cindy Baker (Terry), Connie Koelsch (Dan); nephews, Tony Sofo (Veronica), Mike Sofo (Julie), Joe Sofo (Kim) and dear cousin, Nancy Violi (Joe) and many friends. Connie was preceded in death by her father and mother, Antonio and Carmella Sofo; her husband, Paul Peer; her brother, Joe Sofo and granddaughter, Mary Ellen Peer. Family and friends may visit Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 2:00pm - 7:00pm at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 W. Sylvania Ave where a rosary service will begin at 5:00pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be Monday, November 22, 2021 at 10:30am at St. Pius X Church, 3011 Carskaddon. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Notre Dame Academy or St Francis de Sales High School in her honor.

Connie Peer

July 28, 1928 - November 16, 2021