Sarah Adriana Sopjes

SOPJES, Sarah Adriana
of Kalamazoo Passed away Sunday June 1, 2014 in Kalamazoo. She was born on November 26th, 1922 in Kalamazoo, where she was a lifelong resident, the daughter of William VerMeulen and Anna Blink VerMeulen. Known to her friends and family as Adrie, she retired from Western Michigan University's Health Center where she worked as a receptionist. On August 6th, 1943 she was married to John H. Sopjes, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August of 2003. Adrie enjoyed traveling and wintering in Texas for many years, was a member of Trinity Reformed Church where she loved to sing in the choir, loved to sew clothing and enjoyed golfing with her husband. She especially loved nature and spending time up north at the cottage in Traverse City. In her later years she made many new friends at Hearthside Apartments in Portage and Heritage Upjohn Community Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband John H. Sopjes on April 25th, 2004, and her daughter Sally Klinger on May 8th, 2010. Surviving is her son Thomas and his wife Diane Sopjes, son-in-law Ted Klinger, four grandchildren, Tyler and Travis Sopjes and Heather and Sarah Klinger along with several nieces and nephews. As per her wishes, there will be no visitation or services. She will be cremated and laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery by her husband's side. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Wildlife Federation.