Sept. 7, 1921 - March 14, 2012

ELKHART — Sophie Starzenski, 90, of Elkhart, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 14, 2012, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Sept. 7, 1921, in Elyria, Ohio, to the late Frank and Paulina (Neispodzinski) Starzenski.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Paul, Frankie, Kazmer and Rudy Starzenski, and a sister, Gennie Starzenski.

Sophie is survived by her caregivers Tom and Terry Wiley; nieces Kathy and Linda Starzenski and Penny Fernandez; nephew Chuck Starzenski; and sister-in-law Ethel "Kennie" Starzenski.

Sophie served for many years in the United States Army and then in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. She was a longtime member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Rosary Society and the Daughters of Isabella. She was an avid bicycle rider; her dog "Pepper" loved to ride with her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1108 S. Main St., Elkhart, where friends may also call for one hour prior to the start of Mass. The Rev. Glenn Kohrman will officiate. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard will follow in St. Vincent Cemetery. A dinner will be provided at the church after the burial. Friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. A parish vigil and rosary recital will conclude the evening at 6 p.m.

Memorials for Sophie may be made to Pets for Vets Inc., 409 Black Diamond Drive, Wilmington, NC 28411. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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