'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

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.

My sister Sonya was the best big sister a girl could have.  As long as I can remember I always shared a room with Sonya. I had my side of the room which I decorated with my stuffed animals, and she always put up with my collection of various things. She was caring and loving towards me. She would give me her last dime that she had earned so that I could buy the things that I liked. Most importantly Sonya taught me how to pray at a very young age. We would hold hands as we were going to sleep and pray for the world, our town, and our family. She loved me unconditionally and because of my sister I will always have a close connection with God. I miss you terribly, and can’t wait to see you again. Love you Sonya!

Heidi

Born a Sunday child, so small and always “so good” as a little girl. That continued into her adult life. Anyone who entered her life or that she even remotely knew, was befriended by her. So therefore she knew no strangers and loved everybody. It made no difference what nationality or faith or color. Everybody was God’s child. She tried hard to bring everybody to Christ, the one she loved so much.

We miss her thoughtfulness, the calls... if we were alright, needed anytging, and especially the cards she sent. We can read them many times as we saved them all. We are OK because we know she is in heaven where she wanted to be. Although I am still in denial sometimes. No more three hour phone calls. God needed her on Earth, but now I imagine she is probably giving Him advice in heaven.

We are grateful for the 52 years we had her with us, but wish it could have been many more. We will se her soon... your mom and dad that loved you most of all

I was thinking about the last time we saw Sonya, She visited on Christmas at mom's. Sylvia and I were still asleep when Albert and Sonya came. they came into the room and woke us. "Wake up you two snuggle bugs, It's Christmas." At first I wanted to go right back to sleep but we got up so we could visit. How could I have known it would be the last time we would see her.

I think I will miss her smile, her laugh, and her love of people. She always had a great big hug for me. She wanted us all to be saved and know the lord. and in many ways, I have her to thank for that relationship with our savior that carries me through when things seem dark, or I feel like I can't go on. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for you Albert, but we are always here for you.

I will miss you Sonya, Probably more than you know,

Love you always,

Michael

Aunt Sonya was such a thoughtful and loving person. I have so many fond memories of her. She was like a Mom to me. We did a lot of fun things together while I was growing up. I will never forget going to concerts with Uncle Albert and her, traveling across the country, and site seeing in downtown Chicago. Aunt Sonya and Uncle Albert were always supportive of me. They went to my high school graduation and even helped me move into my dorm freshman year of college. I look forward to the day when I will see Aunt Sonya again in heaven. I know that she is having a wonderful time up there. I love you, Aunt Sonya, and I think about you all the time. Not everyone has an Aunt who is always looking out for them. I am so fortunate to have an Aunt like Sonya who genuinely loved me and would always take time to visit or send a card. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. Until we meet again, Aunt Sonya. Love you always, Lenna ❤️</span>