Sophy B. Carpenter

Sophy B. Carpenter, 96 of Harbor Springs, passed away Friday, September 13, 2019 at Hiland Cottage in Petoskey. Born on July 1, 1923, in what she referred to as “the Pleasantview Swamp,” Sophy was the 8th child (of 11) of Clara and Benjamin Bifoss. She attended Huddleston school house through 8th grade, and graduated from Pellston High School in 1941. She attended the Bryant and Stratton Business College in Chicago, taking classes at night and working days, while living with Cecile and A.C. Fischer. Sophy worked in Chicago, Florida, and Harbor Springs for A.C., who owned Servicised Products Corporation in Chicago, property in Pleasantview Township and Roaring Brook. She served as his secretary, bookkeeper, and chauffeur from 1941 to 1948.

In 1948, she married Leonard Carpenter of Harbor Springs. She worked with Leonard in all aspects of running Bluff Gardens. After Leonard’s death in 1990, she continued to be active in the business until the time of her death. Sophy loved the outdoors, as well as garden and greenhouse work, working in the market, the office, and the kitchen. Additionally, she was a voracious reader. The family would like to acknowledge the kind services of the staff of the Harbor Springs Library, particularly Tanya Graham and Sue Ross, who went above and beyond to keep Sophy supplied with the newest and best reading selections.

After moving to Harbor Springs, Sophy served on the Board of Education, the city planning commission, and the city council. Upon moving to West Traverse Township in 1979, she served as clerk and then as a trustee for 28 years. Sophy was active in the Methodist Church where she was a member of the women’s society, served on boards and committees, and sang in the choir for over 50 years. She was a member of the Bay View Reading Club, the Harbor Springs Grange, and the Michigan Maple Syrup Association (which originated at the Carpenters’ dining room table).

Sophy is survived by her son, Dean L. Carpenter, of Harbor Springs; daughter, Susan (John) Moore, of Gaylord; grandchildren, Dawson (Kate) Moore, of Harbor Springs; Kellen (Jacquelyn) Moore, of Gaylord. Great grandchildren, Otto, Evie, and Poppy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard R. Carpenter, and nine of her siblings. Her brother, John (Shirley) Bifoss, also survives.

A celebration of Sophy’s life will take place at 3:00 PM Saturday, September 21, 2019 at The United Methodist Church of Harbor Springs, 343 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Visitation will begin at the church at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in memory of Sophy to the Harbor Springs Library, 206 S Spring St, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com