Pamela Doreen Sonn

Pam was born on August 21, 1962, in Oceanside, California. She grew up in Vista as the third child of Robert and Doreen Northway. Her childhood was filled with camping trips, backyard barbecues, Campfire Girls, holiday traditions, and the simple joys of family life. In addition, she shared a particularly close bond with her younger sister, Hillary.

A proud 1980 graduate of Vista High School, Pam continued her studies at Palomar College and later earned her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in 1999. Though she once considered becoming an elementary school teacher, she soon found that her true calling was as a pre-school teacher.

In the 1990s, Pam met Mark Sonn and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. They explored many National Parks, with Yellowstone being their favorite destination. After marrying in 1999, Pam and Mark persevered through years of foster care and adoption challenges before joyfully welcoming their daughter and son into their family.

After settling in Escondido, they created a loving home filled with camping trips, beach outings, church activities and more. Pam deeply treasured being a mother and enthusiastically supported her children’s activities from sports and scouting to church and school milestones. She always expressed how proud she was to be their mom and loved to share their accomplishments.

Pam was creative, clever, and joyful. She loved puzzles, theatre, crafting handmade gifts and spending time with family. In recent years, this included “Sisters Days” adventures around San Diego County. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she found deep purpose through worship, fellowship, ushering and service at House of Prayer. She truly valued the warmth, inclusiveness, and sense of community that she found there.

Pam will be remembered for her gentle heart, kindness, humility, humor, and devotion to family, friends, and church community. Despite lifelong health challenges, including epilepsy and neurofibromatosis, she lived with resilience, grace, and a steadfast belief in the goodness of others.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Doreen Northway, as well as her brother, Clifford. She is survived by her husband, Mark, her children, April and Joshua; her sisters Heather and Hillary (Jeff); sisters-in-law, Karen Northway, and Linda Sonn; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 am at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 795 N. Rose Street, Escondido, CA 92027, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the House of Prayer Lutheran Church, the Iris and Matthew Strauss Center for the early Detection of Ovarian Cancer at UCSD, or Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego.