April 26, 1933—Aug. 11, 2024 LONGVIEW—Sophie Wirkkala passed away on August 11, 2024, at home in Longview, WA. Sophie was born in Kemetberg, Austria, on April 26, 1933.
She grew up in Nazi-occupied Austria during WWII and was one of 10 children. A dream to live in America was fulfilled when Sophie sailed from Cherbourg, France to New York on the Queen Mary, to live with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Haas in Amanda Park, WA. Soon after Sophie arrived in America, she went to visit a cousin-by-marriage, in Skamakawa, WA, who was unable to meet her, but sent a handsome, friendly American, Melvin Wirkkala instead. Soon after meeting the love of her life, Sophie married Melvin on September 22, 1960.
She was a devoted wife for 55 years, until his passing in 2016. Their love was a testament and inspiration to all who knew them. Before immigrating to the United States, Sophie traveled extensively in Europe, working for seven years in Basil, Switzerland, learning the different dialects and enjoying the beauties of the Swiss Alps.
Then a brief stop-over in London for a year to learn English while working as a nanny, then on to Scotland and on to Paris where she worked in the mornings as a waitress and studied French in the afternoon. Sophie loved gardening, knitting and crocheting. Her knitted slippers, scarves, and washcloths were favored by family and friends.
She loved camping and traveling. Sophie and Melvin traveled extensively throughout the United States including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled throughout Europe, Mexico, and Canada.
Besides enjoying clam digging and fishing with Melvin, Sophie loved spending time with loved ones and was always ready to feed a crowd with her fantastic baking skills and hospitality. Sophie is survived by two daughters: Sylvia Wirkkala (Larry Sanderson) and Linda Chadwick (Ken Chadwick); two grandsons: Preston Chadwick (Marilyn) and Bryce Chadwick (Kristina); two great-grandsons; and a sister, Steffanie Helmcke; along with numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local VFW or American Cancer Society. Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox..
