SOLON Live long and live well.
Today, former Solon resident Sophie Ciuni has tackled both of these goals by reaching her 100th birthday.
Sophie is known by her family as the “helm of the ship,” as described by her granddaughter, Chris Gruttadauria.
Raised in Cleveland, Sophie spent much of her life working as a seamstress, from the time the Great Depression struck to late into her adulthood.
A purebred Italian, Sophie came from a family that taught her to respect her culture and the Catholic religion that comes along with it.
That culture also appeared on the dinner table every night, from the time Sophie was a child, to about two years ago when she moved into a retirement facility.
“Every meal we ate was Italian. If you didn’t like it, you could eat bread and butter,” Sophie joked.
As the eldest child in her family, Sophie learned to be independent and take care of herself. Her father had a secure railroad job, but like any anyone, Sophie and her family felt the strains and struggles of the Great Depression.
Sophie joked she spent much of her teenage years locked up, away from boys.
“Girls didn’t run around like they do today,” she said.
Seemingly simple activities such as listening to romantic music were a big no-no. Sophie recalls getting caught singing a song with romantic undertones.
“I remember my father saying, ‘I never want to hear you sing that song again,’” Sophie recalled.
Instead of spending time dwelling on love, Sophie began learning how to sew starting at age 12. By age 16, she became employed by Richman Brothers Co., which manufactured men’s suits and clothing. She hadn’t quite gained enough skill by way of sewing, but instead learned on the job. One of her aunts also paved the way for her career as a seamstress.
Little by little, Sophie gathered enough confidence to use a sewing machine. Back then, there was no such thing as safety features, so the idea of using a powerful needle was a bit daunting.
When pay time rolled around, Sophie received an envelope with cash.
“My mother made sure she counted everything,” Sophie said.
She didn’t dare sneak a nickel from the envelope to even buy a loaf of bread. Instead, all of her wages went directly to her parents to support her family.
Sophie grew up during the era of the Model T Ford, and since her uncle owned a car, she had the chance to ride in a vehicle as a youth.
“My father could walk faster than that car,” Sophie chuckled, recalling the days when she, seven children and four adults would all pile into one Model T. All of the children would sit on the floor of the vehicle, without protection from door locks or seatbelts.
One day, Sophie fell out of her uncle’s vehicle, but no one seemed to notice for quite a while.
“I got up from the street and sat on the curb,” Sophie explained, stating sooner or later, she knew her family would realize she was missing. Her family continued down the road until they were out of sight, but eventually, they turned around and found Sophie waiting patiently at the curbside.
As Sophie continued through her teen years and into adulthood, she finally got her chance to find love. She married a man named Charles, and then had her first child at age 21. Ultimately, they had three children, Caroline, Steve and Charles. They lived in the Old Hungarian neighborhood of Cleveland in an older brick home with a large maple tree out back, good for swinging and shade.
Sophie always had canned fruits and vegetables in the cellar of her basement, where her grandchildren went to find some tasty treats.
“Vegetables were her main course at mealtime. She was wise before the medical profession ever told her (how to eat),” Chris said.
Sophie remained married to Charles for 45 blessed years, until he passed away. A few years later, she decided to move away from Cleveland and into a condo in Solon, which she called home for 33 years.
Sadly, Sophie lived apart from Charles about as long as she lived with him, spending 49 years by herself. Always one to step up to the plate of independence, Sophie persevered and continued with her life. At age 60, she applied for a driver’s permit, and she remained on the road until age 90.
In the 30 years she drove, she only owned two cars, a Dodge Dart and a Chevy Celebrity.
Sophie also cut her own lawn, painted her home and continued with her love of sewing. Her daughter Caroline remembers having an entire wardrobe of handmade clothing until she left home and got married. Sophie then began making dresses for Caroline’s two daughters, one of whom is Chris.
In addition to acting as helm of her family, Sophie also stayed active in the Solon community, participating in various senior activities and engaging in brief excursions to areas such as Niagara Falls, N.Y.
She also remained an active member of Solon’s Church of the Resurrection, of which she remains a part. Sophie now resides in a nursing home in Aurora, but she enjoys occasional visits from members of her church.
Now, at age 100, Sophie still exhibits a strong, independent fire.
“My 100th birthday is just another day,” she casually stated.
Around 90 family members, almost enough people to represent each year she has been alive, gathered Oct. 21 to celebrate Sophie.
“She is still a little spitfire,” Chris joked, “even at 100.”
See more Solon news at cleveland.com/solon.