Sophie Huntley, age 86, of McKinney, Texas, passed away February 15, 2018. Sophie was born on Bastille Day July 14, 1931, in Pommeuse, France, to Dmytro and Eva Hrymak (nee Lakova). She grew up in France and survived the era of Nazi occupation during World War II. Sophie married David Edward Huntley on December 26, 1955, in High Wycombe, United Kingdom. Sophie survived WWII and the invasion of France by Germany and subsequent occupation. After fleeing with her family and thousands of other French citizens on the road with few possessions, they were strafed by Stuka dive bombers and suffered terrible deprivation. After the invasion was completed, the Germans told the refugees to return home. On arriving back home, Sophie's school had been taken over by the local Gestapo and she had to attend the boys' school. Notwithstanding the hardships of her early life, Sophie was a devoted wife and mother in a marriage where she was the solid rock of its foundation. She carried out this mission with a quiet dignity, elegance and humility that endeared her to everyone who met her. Sophie left France to work in England as an au pair at one of the country’s most exclusive private girls’ schools. It was here that she met and married her husband David in 1955. They lived, both in London and in Paris, before setting off in 1957 for a new life in Africa. Their four children were all born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe which at the time was Rhodesia. David and Sophie emigrated again by moving to Durban, South Africa in 1968 by the Indian Ocean. Then once again, Sophie fully supported David’s decision to immigrate to the United States, and in 1978 the family, including 2 cats, arrived in Dallas, Texas. Sophie enjoyed traveling with her husband David, and together, they made many friends in faraway places. Some of these friendships have been sustained for more than 60 years. Sophie leaves us as a caring, loving and devoted wife, and mother who will be missed beyond measure.
She is survived by her husband, David Huntley of McKinney, Texas; children, Martine Huntley-Wilson and husband, Todd of San Diego, California, Nicole Woodhouse and husband, Jeremy of McKinney, Texas, Dean Huntley and wife, Lucy, also of McKinney, and Alan Huntley and wife, Angela of St. Petersburg, Florida; as well as grandchildren, Andrew, Michelle, Mia, Callum, Chloe, Kennedy, and Mary.
Sophie was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Jean Hrymak, and sisters, Marie Dubeq and Genevieve Hrymak.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2018, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas.