Angela Joy Sonntag

Angela was born on June 10, 1933 in Coventry, England to Robin and Hilda Wormell. It was a tough start to life as complications led to an early birth and she weighted only 3.5 pounds. Despite the poor odds at that time Angie showed her fortitude at a young age and pulled through. This early test must have forged a resilience that would serve her well throughout her life. Shortly later as a toddler she contracted scarlet fever and was whisked away to the isolation ward at Coventry hospital. Again she persevered and grew into a young girl who would join her older brother in attending Green Lane Primary School. He recants it was his honor to chaperone his sweet young sister on the one-mile long daily walk.

Angie was attending boarding school when World War II began. With Coventry being targeted in the bombing Blitz, the family moved to a less targeted area near the Canadian RAF airfield. She would tell stories of black out nights, air raid sirens, and the time her father dug up an unexploded bomb in the garden! Tough times indeed! Despite the pounding Coventry received, the city and Angie recovered.

After completing school, Angie trained at the renowned Birmingham Hospital, whose nurses were well sought after around the world. She later specialized in midwifery in Newcastle. Her adventures in Canada started in 1957 when she joined several of her nursing graduate friends and was immediately hired on at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Edmonton - the biggest hospital in western Canada at the time. Angie’s dedication and leadership eventually earned her a position as the nursing representative on the hospital board.

While working on the polio wards, Angie befriended a lovely young patient named Elaine, who eventually recovered and was discharged. Sometime later, Elaine invited Angie to visit her at home—though it turned out to be a setup! Elaine and her husband Ray were hosting two young German lads at the time. One of them was Albert.

Angela and Albert were married in 1960. They settled in St. Albert and built a life together, raising three children: Robert (1962–1974), Christopher (Lisa), and Jillian (1966–2011) (Kevin).

Under the guidance of Ray and Elaine, the new couple was introduced to Canadian life and embraced a vibrant lifestyle. Angie spent many years active in the local tennis club. Eventually, she left her nursing career to become a real estate agent—a move that reflected her ever-progressive spirit and forward drive. Her determination eventually led her to convince Albert to sell their home and move to the Okanagan, where they purchased the Woods Lake Inn restaurant. Angie later concluded her professional career by running the Patient Aid Department at Dyck's Pharmacy.

Angie enjoyed many years of active Okanagan lifestyle with cross-country skiing, swimming, golfing, and gardening being some of her favorite activities.

Known for her exuberance in everything she pursued, Angie was never one to do things halfway. When she decided to improve her public speaking, she joined Toastmasters—naturally, this journey led her all the way to the North American Championships of speech giving. Her distinctive English accent, love of conversation, and passion for poetry always shone through, making her a memorable and inspiring speaker.

Upon retirement Angie and Bert enjoyed travel and time with her three grandchildren, Makena, Theodore and Benjamin and step grandson Robin. Angie also found joy and camaraderie in the Red Hat Ladies Society, where her vibrant spirit truly belonged. One of her favorite poems, When I Am an Old Lady, perfectly captured her playful outlook and zest for life.

Angie and Bert spent their final years together at Mission Creek Landing Care Home, where they were surrounded by kindness and support. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated nurses, care aides, and administrative staff, whose outstanding care and compassion made a meaningful difference in their lives during those precious final years.

Angie only lasted a few months after Bert's passing. They will be placed together to rest peacefully in eternity after a life well lived and an enduring bond that lasted almost 65 years.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299