College of Education Alumni Board Member - Dr. Sophie Helen Skoney (1929 - 2016)
Dr. Sophie Helen Skoney, age 87, of St Clair Shores. Died June 11, 2016 at Beaumont Royal Oak. Sophie was born January 29, 1929 in Detroit to the late George & Helena (Dehmis) Kokali. She married Dr. Daniel J. Skoney in Detroit on December 28, 1957. She will be sadly missed by her husband Daniel, children; Dr. Joseph (Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo) Skoney, Dr. James (Michelle) Skoney, Carol (Douglas) Hill, grandchildren; Andrew, Mariah, Victoria, Michael, Marissa, Helena, Jake, siblings; George (Jo) Kokali, Tom (Betty) Essa, Joseph (Nancy) Essa and pre deceased by her parents and siblings; George "Nick" Essa, Josephine Gola, and Mary Lou her daughter-in-law.
Dr. Skoney was employed with the Detroit Public Schools from 1952-2000 as a Special Reading Teacher and School Administrator, where she was known for her commitment, dedication and outstanding contributions, while touching the lives of many students and staff in a very positive way.
She was a member of the Wayne State University Alumni Assoc. where she served as President from 1979-1982, a member of the Dean's Advisory Board with WSU College of Education, a member of Phi Delta Kappa executive Board from 1981-2000 and served as President 1990-1991. She was a member of the Professional Women's Network from 1981-2000, served as President from 1985-1987 and a member of Anthony Wayne Society at WSU. Dr. Skoney gave willingly and unselfishly of her time and assistance to the Detroit Public School students and staff and maintained the highest level of integrity throughout her career. She received the Homer Strong Award in 2008.