Sophie Cichon, born on January 30, 1933, in Poland, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She was the cherished daughter of Jan and Ursula (Stofel) Jakobsze. On September 12, 1953, Sophie married the love of her life, Theodore Cichon, with whom she shared many beautiful years.
A talented and dedicated seamstress, Sophie proudly held a union card and took great pride in her craft. Her creativity extended far beyond her professional work—she was gifted in knitting, crocheting, and baking, and she approached each pursuit with artistry and care. Sophie was also an exceptional homemaker whose warmth filled every room she entered. Above all, family was the center of her life. She was a devoted mother, Babcia, sister, and friend, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In 2021, Sophie moved to Luther Village, where she enjoyed her days and formed many cherished friendships that enriched her later years.
Sophie is survived by her loving children, Diana (Garry) Naples, Mark (Janine) Cichon, and John (Kimberly) Cichon; her grandchildren, Garry Jr. (Jennifer), Christopher (Kate), Mary Elizabeth (Tim), Jacqueline (Kevin), Thomas, Paul (Annie), Jennifer (Joseph), Kathyrn (Brian), and John (Emily); and her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Luke, Jack, Violet, Margaret, Nathanael, and Carmen. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Theodore, and her siblings, Mary, Janina, and Stanley.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 a.m. Mass, all at St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church, Lincoln Street and Elmhurst Avenue, Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Burial will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Luther Village, c/o Activities Department.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or visit www.defiorefuneral.com for online condolences.
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I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Sophie was such a wonderful woman. She was always so caring and kind and made people feel special. Hugs to you all.
“ Your Gretna family” is sorry for your loss of Sophie. To Sophie and children and grandchildren, and extended family. the Gerrets and Steel family descendants, remember you in prayer now and always. We remember when Sophie and dear sisters Mary , Janina, and husbands travelled to Gretna in 1989, to be with Henry Gerrets , Sr. In Louisiana for your 40th reunion . What a Polish and Louisiana feast and joyful time of remembrance and stories exchanged! Over the decades , leading up to the recent 75th observance by Sophie, we have treasured and will continue to treasure the stories and beautiful expressions shared. You and your sisters called us your “ Gretna family”, Sophie, In turn, we called you our “Polish family”. The talks with you dear Sophie, and Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Janina , touched our hearts and our souls. Last year’s observance of the 75th anniversary of your and family’s arrival, gave us cause to pause and celebrate you and family, once more . The red, white, and blue rosary we sent you was a symbol of our shared love for Our Blessed Mother and Catholic faith, Sophie. We were so happy you told us how much it meant to you. As your family celebrated Holy Mass for you, we , your “Gretna family” will be there in spirit, lighting blessed candles at the churches where y’all attended Holy Masses after WWII in Gretna. It was our family’s blessing, the late Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel in New Orleans, read a letter to parishioners at our churches about Polish families. Aunt Elenora told Uncle Henry to welcome a family, yours, the Jakobsze family. We will always be grateful our families were brought together in this Heaven-sent way. May you rest in Eternal peace with both your Polish family and your Gerrets/Steel families, Sophie. We love you. Until we reunite again, we shall pray for you and know you will pray for us, Jennifer Jennifer Steel, RN, Bourgeois Gretna, LA, USA cid:AEA0A58F-762A-4430-ADCF-DC574F38FAF0
John, my most sincere condolences to you and your family on your mother's passing. May God hold her in His arms, and may your grief be eased by a lifetime of loving memories.