Sonia Jacqueline Doak

Sonia’s love for her family was the foundation of her life. Her world revolved around her children Cecilia and Michael. She took so much pride in them. Anyone who knew Sonia knew she was fiercely protective, always wanting to make sure they were safe, cared for, and never alone. Her devotion ran deep—so deep that she would stay up all night talking to our son Michael while he worked night shifts, staying on the phone with him until he got home safely. She would do the same thing for Cecilia who was in South Carolina, making sure she knew Ceci was safe. Only then could she rest. That was Sonia: selfless, watchful, and full of love that never slept.

Sonia made our home a home, not just because of the food she cooked or the way she decorated our home, but because of the way she made everyone feel welcome, seen, and deeply loved.

Her devotion to the Catholic Church was a quiet strength that guided her every step. Sonia really grew in her faith over the last couple years, and her main goal was to get all of us to church every Sunday, no matter where we were. One of her favorite prayers was “Hail Mary, full of grace,” and she often turned to it in moments of reflection and gratitude. Before praying, she would listen to Gregorian chants, letting the sacred tones prepare her heart for communion with God.

Sonia had a deep love for the seasons, especially fall and spring. In the fall, she’d drag me to Michaels or Hobby Lobby, hunting for the perfect decorations. Pumpkins, wreaths, twinkling lights, each corner of our home was decked out with color and light. And in the spring, she could hardly wait to get her hands in the soil, planting herbs and vegetables for the summer ahead. Her garden was a living testament to her patience, care, and joy in nurturing life.

When Christmas arrived, that is when Sonia truly came alive. She was the one who got everyone together to decorate—not just the house, but the front yard too. She had me string lights up on all the pine trees and hang lights off the roof of our house. The result was breathtaking—a glowing tribute to her love of the season and her talent for turning ordinary moments into something magical.

Her kitchen was the heart of the holidays. Every Christmas, Sonia would make two enormous pots of tamales, sometimes enough to last till February! But it wasn’t a solo effort. She enlisted everyone: I peeled the potatoes and cleaned the banana leaves, Cecilia helped her assemble the tamales, and Michael helped clean up. My favorite part was tasting the different batches of masa she tested before landing on the perfect one. It was a ritual, a celebration, and a labor of love that brought us all together.

Sonia also had a gift for birthdays. She would fill the room with ribbons, banners, and balloons—especially for the kids, and yes, for me too. I’ll never forget my 56th birthday this year. She started blowing up a ton of balloons, and I told her, “Sonia, I really don’t need the balloons.” She looked at me with that unmistakable expression and said, “You’re going to get balloons whether you want them or not.” And from that look, I knew—I was definitely getting the balloons.

Sonia was very organized, and she took great pride in keeping our home clean. It wasn’t just about tidiness—it was about creating a space that reflected care and love. I remember one day she’d been asking me to take her to the mall for hours. Finally, as we were heading out the door, she suddenly started putting things away, washing dishes, and making sure everything was just right. I asked her, “What are you doing? No one’s going to know the house wasn’t clean.” She replied, “I know it’s not—and I just can’t leave it that way.” That was Sonia: thoughtful, meticulous, and full of quiet conviction.

And then there was the music. Anyone who knew Sonia knew how much she loved it. Our home was always filled with music—whether she was working, relaxing, or just enjoying the moment. She had a deep love for Spanish classics and the soft rock and R&B of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Her playlists were a beautiful blend of Juliano Ravanello, Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, Pérez Prado Rico, Julio Iglesias, Ray Charles, Javier Solís, and El Ruletero, just to name a few. During the holidays, her Christmas music collection—four or five albums strong—played on repeat, filling the house with warmth and cheer.

Sonia Jacqueline Doak leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and joy. She taught us how to cherish family, how to celebrate the everyday, and how to live with grace. Though we miss her dearly, her spirit lives-on in the recipes we recreate, the decorations we hang, holiday music we play, the gardens we plant, and the memories we hold close.

May she rest in peace, surrounded by the eternal beauty she so loved.

A visitation for Sonia will be held Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585. A Funeral Mass will occur Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Martha Catholic Church, 37200 Whitewood Rd, Murrieta, CA 92563. A Committal will occur Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 12:19 PM, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585.