Sonya Belanger

Sonya Sue Belanger, a life-long resident of Maine, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 28th at the age of 54 with her loving husband, family, and friends surrounding her and her heart. Sonya is survived by her husband, Paul Belanger; their children, Danielle Williams and Spencer Belanger; Danielle’s husband, Nicholas Williams; Spencer’s wife, Sarah Belanger; her father, Roger Maheux; her brother, Dondi Maheux; and her precious baby granddaughter, Makenna Williams. She is predeceased by her mother, Terry Maheux; and her grandparents. Sonya was born in Lewiston, Maine on November 5, 1963 to Roger and Terry Maheux. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1982 and from Casco Bay College, Portland in 1984. In 1980 while in high school, Sonya met Paul at the Lewiston Roller Drome and they were inseparable. Five years later on April 27, 1985 Sonya married Paul at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Lewiston. On September 10, 1989 and February10, 1994 respectively, they welcomed their daughter and son, who were from then on, at the center of her life. Sonya was employed at Systems Assurance Corp. at Yarmouth as a word-processing operator and as a part-time waitress at Mac’s Variety in Auburn. She also spent time working at WPLM Radio and Channel 8 News. She later joined the team at Poland Spring in 1998 as a Customer Service Lead. She proceeded to hold various roles of increased responsibility as Inventory Control Clerk and finally her position as Raw Material Planner which she was best known for supporting across multiple factories over the years. Sonya was extremely talented in her work but maintained being a smiling beacon in the department. She had an incredible work ethic and everyone she worked with loved and respected her. Whether you knew her for 10 years or 10 minutes, she was an incredible welcoming and caring person which showed in every interaction she had during her career. This year was the celebration of her 20th year anniversary with Poland Spring. Her company cheered so loudly at the celebration dinner in her honor, that it’s something that none of her coworkers in attendance will ever forget. Sonya embodied everything an employer could ever hope to have in an employee, and there is just no replacing that. At 20 years with a company, you certainly become more than coworkers, you become family and Sonya’s family at Poland Spring will miss their dear friend every day. Sonya was the definition of a devoted wife, mother, and daughter. She touched the lives of everyone around her - family, friends, and complete strangers. Everyone who crossed paths with her wanted to friend her. Between her contagious smile, laugh, and positive outlook on all life’s adventures she always stood out in a crowd. In her younger days, you could find her at the Roller Drome, the drive-in with her beloved Paul, and hanging out with friends. With family always at her core, she was there for everyone. Whether it be Danielle’s basketball games, someone’s dance recital, or Spencer’s craft fairs, she was there through it all. She never missed an opportunity to be surrounded by her closest family and friends. She wore her heart on her sleeve and a smile on her face through the best and worst times. Not only did she love supporting all local sports but she wouldn’t miss a professional game either. Sonya spent many days and nights rooting on all New England sport teams with her father, friends, and family who shared her love for the game(s). Which is why it is only fitting that the Boston Red Sox won the World Series on the day she left us. We are certain she was watching the game from above. Sonya’s love for her family and friends is undefinable; so much so that she mothered many like her own. She spent many summers camping alongside high school friends who turned into family and would now be known as The Gang. From camping in Moosehead, Poland Spring, and many other locations, the memories made are unmeasurable. Margaritas by the fire while singing the Gilligan’s Theme Song became a tradition that will live on. Along with margaritas, Sonya’s love for dance was known by all around her as she never missed an occasion to bust out a move. She would get lost in the music for hours. Sonya grew to be known not only for her smile but her fight and strength. She refused to let her cancer diagnosis define her. With Paul’s unwavering commitment and care, she fought back with determination daily for over a year and a half. Although cancer tried tearing her down many times, Sonya won. She beat cancer with the love and support from family, friends, and strangers that had friended her through her life journey. She proudly met her goals. For over a month, she snuggled and cared for Makenna like she has done to many for years. Cancer may have tried to break her down but it only built up a stronger support system for her. And through the ups and downs, Sonya has taught those around her the greatest lesson of all, to make sure we live out the rest of our lives celebrating and pushing forward with what mattered most to her, love and family. A visiting service is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th from 1:00 - 5:00pm at The Fortin Group in Auburn. Condolences and donations are welcome as family continues to process the lost of our sweetest Sonya.

No One Fights Alone.