She was determined to sponsor her mother and three sisters to Canada and worked hard in the sewing factory to save “a penny to a penny” in order to bring them here. Her burning dream was to reunite the family in the “Golden land” which she appreciated so much. But fate did not allow her to realize her dream. Immigration laws at the time did not permit a single sister to bring a married one here and since her older sister was already married and with child it meant that her mother would have to leave her alone while coming with the two younger ones. She refused to do that and in the interim the Second World war was imminent.

In the meantime, Sophie met her “Bashert “. Always popular, loving to sing and dance, she had many bows, but Sam stole her heart away. She often told the story of their courtships. They lived only a block away from each other, and he would come to call at her aunt and uncles house with his balalaika and youthful vigor. He enchanted the five Beloff cousins with his good looks humor and music and before long asked her uncle for her hand in marriage.

1931 or 1932: Sophie and Sam Letinsky Engagement Photo

She was always kind and gentle full of good humor wise and clever. Had she been born in today's world with the opportunities of today's youth she would have been the consummate entrepreneur. She knew how to deal with people how to earn and save a dollar and everywhere she went people adored and admired her. Her home was always open to anyone who came to her door. Always cooking and baking offering everyone to try her specialties borsht and “arbes”, kenishas, cinnamon buns, soups and stews. The larder was always full and every person was equal to her young and old gentile or Jew, white or coloured. She was the true “Good Samaritan“ who could never turn her back on those in need whether it be monetarily or emotionally. She be friended straight people as well as animals and love nature and the world and they in turn loved her back.

Photo 1960's: Sophie and Sam in their kitchen, 652 Inkster

In 1972 she again visited her family but by this time her mother had already passed on. By this time Sophie had four grandchildren whom she thrived on and who adored her. Her beloved son, Ed, had graduated from University as an architect fulfilling one of her cherished dreams in life that of higher education which she so dearly admired and lacked.

In 1978 she contracted encephalitis a disease which proved the beginning of her later illnesses.

And then, in 1980, tragedy struck. Her only son was killed accidentally on his property leaving a wife and child. Sophie was devastated and never fully recovered from the shock.

1970's: Ed and Sophie Letinsky. Ed died in a tragic accident on his farm in 1980.

Months of recovery and physiotherapy followed. She was fitted with and artificial limb, and even then her determination to enjoy life at all costs did not deter her from going to the Rosh Pina Seniors and the Gwen Secter programs, which she looked forward to being with friends and interacting with people. Two years later she had to undergo more surgery on her arteries and again along hospital stay with slow recovery. By this time, they sold their “dream bungalow“ on Inkster Blvd and moved into the Bait Am (a seniors residence). She resisted selling her home, which for her represented security and independence.

A few months later while in hospital for observation she was stricken with a stroke which took her way her ability to speak. Months of rehabilitation finally led her to the Sharon Home where she was a resident for 1 1/2 years. When she was still well she attended the outpatient program there and often told her family that when the time came that she would no longer be able to care for herself, we shouldn't hesitate to take her there because she enjoyed the atmosphere and staff. 

In April 1994 she became a resident of the home. There was an adjustment, but most of the time she enjoyed the musical programs clapping her hands and swinging in time to the music. Always grateful for any help given, her cooperative and cheerful nature, the staff and other residents adored her and called her there “favorite”. She delighted in occasional outings to her former apartment, her children's home, and most of all visits by her grandchildren.