Sonya C. LaRussa

Born April 5, 1939, in East Lake, Alabama, she graduated from Woodlawn High School and was raised at Ruhama Baptist Church. Sonya married the love of her life Frank J. LaRussa, her husband of 44 years, and was a loving mother to her four children. She cherished her family and served them well.

A woman of great faith, she converted to the Catholic faith in adulthood and was actively involved in many ministries including, Teams of Our Lady, the Padre Pio prayer group, Cursillo, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Women's AGLOW meetings, community service outreach and also led many Bible studies and prayer groups in her home through the years.

She was a faithful friend who maintained close friendships, some even dating back to first grade, and regularly met with her Woodlawn High School reunion group. Sonya enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, book clubs, bridge club, dominoes, gardening, quilting, painting, and was an enthusiastic antique collector.

She and Frank loved going to Auburn football games, tailgating and cheering on the tigers with fellow Auburn Letterman Club Alumni. They also shared a love of music and were known to cut a rug on the dance floor! Sonya loved international travel and family trips through the years, especially to the Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach area.

Even in her final years, when life became difficult, Sonya suffered well, always with a beautiful smile on her face and patiently persevering with laughter and a deep prayer life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Solon and Norma Cook; her beloved husband, Frank, and her sister, Pat Brasher. Sonya is survived by her siblings: Wade (Anita) Cook, Kathy Morgan, and Christy (Bob) Rogers, her four children: Mark Stephens, Scott (Nomie) Stephens, Leigh (Drew) Butgereit, and Laney (Gary) Gagnon. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Meagan (Tim) Pastore, Ashleigh (John) Harlow, Robert Butgereit, Mary (Jonathan) Matthewson, Tiffany (Evan) Robb, Philip (Rebecca) Stephens, Hannah Gagnon, Jonathan (Gina) Gagnon, Jacob (Gabi) Gagnon, Katie (Chris) Marcus, Allison Gagnon, and Michael Gagnon; and eleven great-grandchildren: Julia Harlow, Jude Harlow, Joy Harlow, Mayvn Robb, Myra Robb, Arthur Stephens, Lena Matthewson, Daniel Matthewson, Ansley Pastore, Carter Pastore, and Colette Gagnon.

She loved Jesus with all her heart, mind and soul and leaves behind a legacy of deep faith and trust in Him. Her love lives on in the hearts of her family.

Visitation will be Monday, September15th at 9:00am at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in the Parish Life Center, with the funeral Mass at 10:00am in the church. A celebration of life luncheon will follow immediately after the service. All are welcome to join us. 

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to ExpectCare Hospice for several years of care and support, especially to her social worker, whom she considered a friend, Laura Tucker.