Sophie Marie Lackovich was born in Aliquippa, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1940. Her parents were Mille Lackovich and Julia Sklack (Sheljac), according to her Social Security record. Older siblings, named in the 1940 Federal Census, were Anna, Irene, Ramond, Peter, Amelia, and Nick.

Sophie's mother, 37, died in 1945 following surgery for a kidney tumor.

After her graduation from the school of nursing, Sophie joined the U. S. Army. She served in Vietnam and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Lt. Col. Sophie Lackovich died on September 14, 2004. Her last residence was Sebastian, Florida. She is buried at St. Elijah Serbian Cemetery, Aliquippa.