Sophie (Bakos)

Fay

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sophie Fay, a treasured mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who departed this life peacefully at the age of 93 on February 25, 2025, at Whidden Hospital in Everett, MA. Born on January 19, 1932, in Burlington, VT, Sophie was the beloved daughter of the late John and Anna (Fotopoulos) Bakos.
Sophie grew up in Winthrop, Massachusetts, where she attended local schools and graduated from Winthrop High School. Her life was marked by devotion to family and friends, particularly during her 39 years of marriage to John E. Fay, with whom she raised her daughter, Debbie, and her two sons, Michael and Richard. Following her husband's passing in 1995, Sophie remained a pillar of strength and independence, tirelessly devoted to her family's well-being.
Professionally, Sophie held various roles including secretary positions with Northeast Airlines and Travelers Insurance before embracing a long career as a waitress at Valle's Steakhouse and the Hilltop Restaurant in Saugus. She approached her work with the same dedication that defined her family life.
Sophie's spirit thrived in the joys of singing, spending leisurely afternoons by the pool with loved ones, and, particularly, in her later years, holding her great-grandson, Sullivan, who brought her immense joy. An unexpected leg injury in 1978 inspired her to take up running for rehabilitation; a pursuit that she embraced wholeheartedly, culminating in her proud completion of the Honolulu Marathon and participation in various road races throughout the 70s and 80s.
She was predeceased by her husband Jack, her siblings, Mary "May" Bakos, George and Aphrodite Bakos, Charles and Christine Bakos, and her sister-in-law Pauline Bakos. Sophie is survived by her beloved children, Michael Fay and his wife Pat of North Ferrisburgh, VT; Richard Fay and his companion Philip Smigliani, III of Beverly; and Debbie Esolen and her husband Marty of Everett. Cherished grandmother to Johanna Fay and her husband Ari Mitchell and William Fay and his wife Connie, Sophie was also an adoring great-grandmother to sweet Sullivan Mitchell. She is additionally survived by her dear brother, Louis Bakos of Melrose, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In remembrance of Sophie Fay's remarkable life, relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea, MA. A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 9:30 A.M., followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St., Chelsea, at 11:00 A.M. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.
Sophie will be remembered not only for her grace and resilience but also for the love she so freely gave to all those fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.