Sonya grew up in Sault Ste. Marie surrounded by friends and family. She did her schooling at Lakehead University (Alumni 1981) in Thunder Bay and returned after making many more life-long friends. Sonya married the love of her life, partner of 39 years, in August 1981. In Sault Ste. Marie, Sonya helped the community of professionals at Algoma Public Health grow. As the first lactation consultant in the Algoma District and an international instructor, her contributions to the breastfeeding community have given support to countless families when they needed it most. She had a passion for gardening, crafting, knitting, birding and photography. Though her life was cut short far too soon, she lived a life full of joy and passion.
Cherished daughter of the late Rupert and late Anne Waas, she leaves behind her beloved husband Robert; her children Matthew (Noelle) and Christopher (Elisa); her granddaughter Lilith; her brother Joe (late Maggie); her sister-in-laws Darlene (Darcy) Garbedian, Patricia Barnett, Judy (Ed) Jakuboski; her brother-in-laws Wayne (Kathleen) Barnett, John Barnett, Joseph (Kathy) Barnett, Mike (Debbie) Barnett, George (Sanj) Barnett, Paul (Christine) Barnett; she will be greatly missed by all of her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that she loves. For those who wish to pay respects there will be a visitation at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522) on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 5 pm to 9 pm. Funeral service to take place at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. -705-759-2522)on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11 am. Rev. Hamish Currie officiating. Reception to follow. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque) can be made to Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH). Please visit the Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.
We would like to leave you with a poem my mother secretly carried in her wallet for many years
Distance never separates
two hearts that really care
For memory spans the miles
and, in seconds, we are there.
We hear the voice, we see the smile,
and deep inside we know
That friends remain a part of us
wherever we may go.
So we can visit anytime,
no matter when or where,
For distance never separates
two hearts that really care.
- Emily Matthews
