Sonja was generous with her time and energy. She was loved as a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and educator and known as a friend and for her generosity. Sonja retired from teaching in June of 2016 from Waverly Community Schools, after teaching for 27 years. She held Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early and Elementary Education as well as many additional credits in administration. She conducted herself with competence and compassion and will be missed by her fellow educators and by her students. She especially loved the time she spent teaching a reading recovery program.
Friends and family appreciated her sense of humor, sharp wit and especially getting her to “hoot” with laughter. Sonja nurtured her Swedish heritage with elaborate meals, keeping family traditions alive and hosting memorable get- togethers. She was an enthusiastic hostess who was always ready to give of her time for socializing and spirited conversation. Sonja was also an avid orchid lover with a gift for growing a unique and wide range of plants. Her sunroom was like a miniature version of the MSU Orchid Society annual show. And Sonja was very proud of the skin care products she developed and then made for herself and friends.
Sonja will be greatly missed by her daughter, Sara Wilson; granddaughter, Paige; son-in-law, Shelby; siblings, Peter and Christina; brother-in-law, Alan; niece, Kerstin; and nephew, Andrew; along with her many cherished friends.
A celebration of Sonja’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Sonja’s name to Hospice of Lansing, The Greater Lansing Orchid Society or Waverly Community Schools.
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