Melanie A. Sokol

Melanie A. Sokol of Unionville, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Brian’s House in Bay City. Melanie was born June 22, 1945 in Detroit, the daughter of the late Lawrence & Dorothy (Hausfeld) Vanderlist. She was raised in Ferndale and graduated from Ferndale High School with the class of 1963. Melanie continued her education at Central Michigan University from 1963 to 1968 where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Upon graduation, she took her first teaching position with Unionville Elementary School from 1968 to 1972. She left the profession for nearly twenty-five years to raise her children while also working in retail at JC Penny in Bay City. In 1997, she joined Bay Area Catholic Schools as an elementary teacher, first at St. Stanislaus in Bay City and later at St. John’s in Essexville, retiring in 2006. Melanie was united in marriage with Thomas J. Sokol, Sr. on August 26, 1967 at her home parish, St. James Catholic Church in Ferndale and the couple has cherished more than fifty-seven years together. Melanie possessed an unyielding spirit. She approached every challenge with tenacity, believing there was nothing she couldn’t master once she set her mind to it. She was naturally artistic and enjoyed painting, crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing the dulcimer. And even though she was a city girl, she enjoyed the outdoors and time spent camping. Her gentle and loving presence will be missed by the countless lives she touched.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Tom Sokol, Sr. of Unionville; four children, Tom Sokol, Jr. (Connie) of Sandusky, Pat Sokol (Erin Marie) of Byron Center, Tony Sokol (Erin Nicole) of Linwood, Laura VanLandeghem (Jayson) of Lake Orion; nine grandchildren, Erica (Andrew), Josh (Megan) Kylie (Chris), Christopher, Alivia, Ben, Avery, Will, and Evelyn; siblings, Judy Haldeman of Pentwater, Mark Vanderlist (Mary Beth) of Big Rapids; brother- and sister-in-law, John & Mary Ann Papp of Caro; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Melanie was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, Stanley & Genevieve Sokol; one brother, Mike Vanderlist (Pam); brothers-in-law, Richard Haldeman and Richard Sokol.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Melanie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Isaac Madanu officiating. Melanie’s family will be present to receive visitors from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with a Rosary Service to be held at 7:30 that evening. There will also be a visitation at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Pine Rest Christian Hospital in Cutlerville, MI or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Sokol family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Timberline Lodge in Caro, Aspire Health in Cass City, Deckerville, and Marlette, and Brian’s House in Essexville for the loving care and comfort given to Melanie.