This site was created in memory of Sonya Stebbins née Staiger by her husband Albert as a place to share her presence and the love that she gave so freely to all of us who feel her loss. Her legacy lives on in all those whose lives she touched. I invite any who knew Sonya to contribute stories, observations, photos, videos, ... . Sonya was a bright light to many people and these mementos should still bring a smile to those who knew her.
Sonya suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on May 2, 2018 from causes we do not yet know in her home less than a mile from the home she was born into. Yet her loss was felt deeply in different parts of the globe where many tears were shed. It is hard to understand why God would take her from us at such a young age of 52 years. Though we may know she is now in a better place my pain (and perhaps yours) from this forced separation will remain for a long time. - May 30, 2018
Tributes
Leave a tributeIt is hard to believe that five years have passed since you left us to spend eternity in heaven. We think about you all the time. Love, Duncan & Lenna
We do miss her!
Pastor Song
Myanmar
Blessing, peace and healing to your broken heart Albert.
My family truly miss you, Sonya.
With Lots of Luv,
Mani & Hema
She was a beautiful soul and a very compassionate human being. I was lucky and blessed to have known her , even for a little time but it was beautiful.
She is enjoying her reward now and a beautiful rest in the Lords presence.
She will always be very much alive in my heart because of the legacy and example of love that she left. I am so glad to have known her and will miss hearing her sweet voice but know I will see her in "Glory."
Sonya was a huge influence in our lives. She lavishly sowed into us and our community to help our walk with God. I am eternally grateful. We are still reading and distributing materials from our library that she helped is build in Lancaster, California. Her legacy in the kingdom of God lives on.
Her kindness generosity and love for the Lord inspired us. Also her words that she would write in the emails, you could see her tenacity for the truth and to encourage the body of Christ.
We were so sorry to hear about dear Sonya. She played a big role in our life and didn’t even know it. We always talked about her, and we were wondering what was going on and why we haven’t seen or heard from her for a very long time.
She is in our hearts and we were so very sad to hear the news.
Also wanted to tell you a little story about her, the first time we have met we asked her how she was and she answered - "I’m blessed". From that day on when we talked about her we never called her Sonya, her name for us was Bless. We were definitely blessed to have met her and you, so thank you for that.
You are in our hearts and thoughts,
Shelli, Guy and Lia
August 12, 2018
... the special occasion is the very bittersweet and full awareness that your beloved is with her beloved Maker and Craftsman; the one who made her so tender and special to all who met her. Now I send you this card that so reminds me of her personality: light, bright, fragile, tender and so very beautiful in its darting, hovering, and wind-drifted flight. ...
Karen M - Grandview, Missouri
May 25, 2018
[see butterfly card in gallery]
Sonya was a ray of light wherever she went. It was always a pleasure to see her. I’m so very sad that she is no longer here. Thinking of her is thinking of the great traits of humanity such as kindness and decency. ...
Erik
May 5, 2018
Sonya, You have always shown me great kindness - and genuine kindness in all things you do. You inspire me to be a better person.
Every day you would go out of your way to make me smile. A very empathetic person, you always picked up on my emotions. We never got the chance to get you that kitten. We didn't catch that coffee we went on about. I never got to thank you for all you had done for me as my friend, in such a short time.
I always looked forward to our talks, and although I felt that perhaps you were far better than I deserved in a friend - I am so happy to call you one.
I am Honored and Privileged to Have Known YOU! And YOU ARE THE AMAZING ONE.
All my Love
Kim
May 9, 2018
Oh, We are still trapped by the fears of living in a world immersed in hate and living for matter, greed, pride, and violence, etc... Now, You're freed to the joy of life where there are no more fears, no more tears, no more hate, no more bloodshed, because you are being with the One who has already shed his blood for you. We love you and will see you again in appointed time at our real home.
With behalf of Our church and ministry
Pastor Song
Myanmar
pastorsongmyanmar@gmail.com
I first met Sonya and her husband (Albert) the day of the solar eclipse (2017), we looked at the eclipse through a safety lens I had borrowed from the Fermilab weld shop. I am so happy that I was fortunate enough to meet this great couple. Sonya was so kind to me, she spoke of God, nature, and the virtues of being a good human being.
I'm a better person for having had the opportunity to have been graced with her presence.
I will miss this beautiful lady.
Frank McConologue, Lockport, IL
May 9, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/sonya-stebbins-condolences/188943413
In loving memories of your international evangelist acts of kindness and boldly sharing the good news. Ministering to the broken hearted, reaching out to the poor and needy! You and your husband Albert have been a great blessing to us. We will see each other again in paradise.
Shalom in Yeshua's Love.
Mike & Sigrid - Petersberg, Germany
June 6, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/sonya-stebbins-condolences/188943413
Sonya was the consummate evangelist. She was always concerned with living rightly before the Lord and always concerned about those who do not know the Lord. She boldly shared her faith with whoever she came acrossed. Sonya truly lived out her faith before others. I believe that she will continue from her new home to be an influence on this world. Well done sister!
Deedra, Dallas, TX
May 9, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/sonya-stebbins-condolences/188943413
You had sooo much love and life. You always were praying for everyone's spiritual growth, concerned for their eternal soul. I know you walked with God and He walked with you. You are home now! Resting from your race. One day sister, we will all be together, feasting at His table. Enjoying eternity forever. So this is only a temporary goodbye.
Joelle M - Los Angeles, CA
May 9, 2018
https://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/chicagotribune/sonya-stebbins-condolences/188943413
"Dear Lord Jesus - we feel so alone. We have lost our best sister who heart is all about for Jesus Christ. it is quite daunting to know that I will never see her on earth and receive beautiful and powerful messages but I am sure, i will certainly meet in heaven where there is no more pain and death.
Praying that when those dark times come when sadness wells up within our hearts that Holy spirit will be there to comfort and help us. Let us forward, when the roll is called up yonder, we shall be there dear brother Albert.
What precious Sonya have shown in the life of the poor people and for our church will remain forever!!!!
With sadness and prayers
Pastor Song and the church"
May 3, 2018
Yangon - Myanmar
"You and Sonya both are lovable to me and I am blessed that I could learn lot of things from you knowingly and unknowingly. Sonya introduced to me to the Holy Bible and since then the life has got now a much deeper sense and appreciation toward Lords blessings which HE has given to all of us. I am thankful that because of Sonya only, I could percieve and became the receiver of God's blessing in no time. She uplifted me and I will always keep you and her in highest regards.
We all one day will have to start a new journey and I only wish that we all should start the new journey under Jesus' blessing and love."
Nitin Yadav - Assam, India
May 14, 2018
"'I have no words for what happened and I’m sorry if can’t find right words to make you understand my feelings in this moment. I can only cry and cry since I had these news. Sonya was not a guest of the Hotel Park Palace, she was not a pen friend, she was just a special person, a special friend to me and I can’t believe she is not here, with you, with me, with her family and friends any more. I just met her 2 years ago, do you remember? She was the same one, gave to me lots of gifts, chocolate, other small things, anything that could say to me: “ I’m here friend, for you, that’s my love for you”.
Now, it’s true, she is with God, the Thing which she needed for living her life, her purpose for living and making the people understand how big it could be this love for Him.
I can’t stop crying dear Albert, I miss her a lot. I’m so sorry that I can’t be there, I wish I could be there to see her a last time and say how much I loved her."
Alessandra - Pisa, Italy
May 10, 2018
Leave a Tribute
It is hard to believe that five years have passed since you left us to spend eternity in heaven. We think about you all the time. Love, Duncan & Lenna
two cats
We had two cats - Grace - the more affectionate one - and Zoe - more playful, misbehaved and enchanting. Sonya would relate these feline differences to differences in ourselves - Grace was my cat - Zoe hers.
Nearly three years since Sonya passed - miss her Presence - that other part of myself - including her constraints on me. Trust she has found freedom in Heaven.
Albert with enduring Love for Sonya
My Dearest American Friend
'Sonya has been my dearest American friend, a special person to me.
I met her and his husband Albert, my friend too, in Florence, Italy at the Hotel Park Palace where I work still as receptionist, many years ago. Albert had to study at the Observatory of Arcetri, just up the hotel, so while he was away for his studies, Sonya was a bit alone and we became friends. Sonya used to come down in the afternoon asking a big glass of milk, and when she realized I could have time to have a small conversation together, we nicely talked sometimes for a long time.
She told me lots of things about her life and I remember her bright smile very well. We became friends and kept in touch for 12 years. She used to send beautiful Christmas and Easter cards every year, she had so nice thoughts to me for my birthday and so on.
Sonya writing to me, always remembered the trip to my house close to Pisa, where met my husband and with Marco and Joan went to the restaurant, where she tasted Italian food. Sonya was so happy about it and enjoyed that day so much! Since then, we met last time 2 years ago. We had a nice cup of coffee close to the hotel, and talked for a long time about our lives.
I miss her so much, my dearest American friend and I can’t stop crying realizing I’ll not receive any more beautiful cards from her, her beautiful touch in everything she used to write to me.
My most beautiful remembering and picture of Sonya is to see her to take the steps in the hotel and suddenly smiling when she met me at the reception.
Sonya has been a light in my life, a special person who loved God and people in the same way.’
Alessandra - Pisa, Italy
June 11, 2018
Lovely Friend in the Lord
I met Sonya shortly after starting work in her husband Albert’s department, about six years ago. She radiated a warmth and love that I had never experienced before, and made me feel so welcome.
Sonya was always bringing me little treats - everything from videos to candy -when she’d drop the office, and would sometime share bits of her life, or the Lords word. She loved taking care of people, especially Albert. He told her that when he was walking down the street in a European city he had recently visited on business, and saw a man who looked hungry, he gave the man his lunch that Sonya had packed for him. Sonya beamed with pride for Albert as she told me this story.
Sonya will be remembered for her great love, generosity, and sweet spirit. I miss her.