Sophie Paterakis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

****MASKS ARE REQUIRED**** Sophie Paterakis, age 91, fell asleep in the Lord on January 28, 2022 in Toledo, Ohio. Sophie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 22, 1930 to Spiros and Evangeline (Rokakis) Gonakis, both of Crete, Greece. Sophie married John Paterakis of Crete, Greece on October 30, 1955 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1961, Sophie along with her husband owned and operated Mikes Place on Cherry Street until they retired in 1985. Sophie was known as “Sophia Loren,” as well as the “Queen of Cherry Street”. Sophie ran Mike’s as a neighborhood community center dispensing tough love, encouragement and hugs. She was known for her humor, generosity and progressive thinking. She was a surrogate mother to many. No matter where Sophie would go people would recognize her. Many thanked her for kindness and “helping raise them and keeping them out of trouble.” Sophie was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Philoptochos Ladies Auxiliary and Young at Heart. She died as she lived praising God and praying for Salvation. Sophie was preceded in death by her husband John; brother Mike Gonakis; and sister Chrystal Christ, brother-in-law Pete Vourlis, and sister-in-law Goldie Gonakis. Sophie is survived by her daughters Debra Paterakis of Toledo, Ohio; Irene (Steve) Steffas of Westlake, Ohio; Antonia (Fr. Eugene) Wozniak of Green Bay, Wisconsin; her grandchildren Alexis Steffas, Elena (Michael) Vourvopoulos, Leia Steffas, Elizabeth Wozniak and Sophia Wozniak; great-grandson Yianni Vourvopoulos; sister Rose Vourlis; brother-in-law Chris Christ; many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States and Greece. Visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with funeral at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 740 N. Superior St. Toledo, Ohio 43604. Internment at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers her family asks that donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Sophie Paterakis

February 22, 1930 - January 28, 2022