Sophia T Tobe June 13, 1964- December 27, 2024
Sophia T Tobe, age 60, of Meridian, Idaho, died in Boise, Idaho of complications related to ovarian cancer on December 27, 2024.
Sophia was born in Watertown, New York to Theodore and Maria Kaltsounis, whom she loved with all her heart. At age three, she moved to Seattle with her parents and brother, George, where her father became a professor at the University of Washington. Nine years later, at age 12, she welcomed her brother Andreas. She was not only a dedicated sister but also, as he put it, “his second mother.” Sophia attended Ingelmoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, where she excelled academically and enjoyed playing for the tennis team. She graduated in 1986 from the University of Washington with a degree in cognitive psychology before earning her teaching certificate from Seattle University. In 1992, she obtained a master’s degree in education from the University of Washington. She worked as an elementary-school teacher until the birth of her first child.
Sophia met the love of her life, Christopher Tobe, in 1985 at a friend’s wedding. They were married on June 25, 1989, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle. They welcomed their first child, Christina, in 1992 while Sophia was working full time as a teacher and her husband Christopher attended the University of Washington School of Medicine. Later that year, they moved to Sacramento where Chris completed a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of California, Davis. Ariana was born there in 1994. Sophia and Chris moved their young family to Boise in 1995, where Nicholas was born later that year. Sophia was an incredibly dedicated mother and greatly enjoyed raising her children in Idaho. She always encouraged them to try new things and supported them unconditionally in all their pursuits.
Idaho was a natural fit for Sophia’s love of animals and adventurous spirit. Shortly after moving there, she acquired her first horse and learned the art of reining and cutting. She developed many close friends in Boise’s equestrian community. Her home was a menagerie of animals with several dogs, cats, goats, cows and horses. Beyond her love for animals, Sophia was active and athletic. She enjoyed years of playing tennis with her team in Boise and became a certified yoga instructor, teaching at several studios. She was an accomplished hunter and joined Chris on several outings, including her once-in-a-lifetime moose hunt in Idaho.
Sophia was also an outstanding volunteer for her community. She was a dedicated member of the Foundation Board at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise for many years. She participated in and chaired the Women’s Healthcare Fund, a local organization dedicated to providing healthcare access to women. Most recently, Sophia found her calling by combining her lifelong passions for animals and teaching as a volunteer at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey, headquartered in Boise. She loved to care for the birds and found joy in learning the art of falconry. She also led school tours and taught the public about these amazing raptors and their importance to our environment. A high point this year for Sophia was a trip to Arizona with Chris to watch the release of California Condors that were raised at the Center.
Although Sophia’s life was cut short, she always maintained a positive attitude while fighting her illness. Despite her obstacles, Sophia always put others’ feelings first, nurturing and caring for her family to the end. She was the epitome of the perfect daughter, wife, mother and friend and will be missed so very much.
Sophia was preceded in death by her father Theodore Kaltsounis and her in-laws Robert and Magdalena Tobe. She is survived by her husband Christopher Tobe, her children Christina Tobe, Ariana Tobe, Nicholas (Penelope) Tobe, her mother Maria Kaltsounis, her brothers George (Christina) Kaltsounis and Andreas (Sarah) Kaltsounis, and their families.
Sophia’s funeral will be held on January 7, 2025, at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery in Seattle next to her father. A celebration of life will be held on January 11, 2025, at The Club at SpurWing in Meridian, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sophia’s memory to The Peregrine Fund at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise.
“Human beings are at the core good, caring and loving. It’s easy to let negativity from the outside world cloud our heart but we must never forget the kindness of others.” — Sophia T Tobe