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SONJA M. COE (SKWARCHUK)
Born: Sep 07, 1948
Date of Passing: Nov 19, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemorySONJA M. COE (nee SKWARCHUK) September 7, 1948 - November 19, 2013 Peacefully, on November 19, 2013 Sonja passed away at her home in Oak Bank, MB at the age of 65. Sonja will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 43 years, Phil; children Patrik (Kathy), Christopher, and Robyn (Jeff); the two lights of her life, grandsons Roan and Fenn; siblings Danny Skwarchuk (Shirley), Deanna Pippus (Brian), Lorraine Robinson (Vic) and their families, and her extended family that she so treasured. Sonja was predeceased by her parents, William and Mary Skwarchuk, and her father-in-law, Phil Coe Sr. Born and raised in Winnipeg's Brooklands area, Sonja didn't have to look far to find the love of her life, Phil, who lived just down the street when they met. They married in 1970 and in 1977, moved to Oak Bank to raise their family. Sonja worked several jobs including sales clerk, bookkeeper, deli-clerk extraordinaire, and owner of the Springfield Sports Centre - a sporting goods store that was a favourite with the local kids. But nothing compared to her favourite job in the world, stay-at-home mom to her three children. There truly was no greater joy in Sonja's life than her family. She was a sideline supporter at every sport or activity her children happened to be interested in. In more recent years, Sonja, along with Phil and great friends Lynne and Garry Steiner, was the #1 fan of Patrik and Robyn's baseball team, The Pariahs. She rarely missed a game. We're not sure what she enjoyed more, watching the game or having the whole family over for dinner every Thursday beforehand. Sonja took pride in supporting and taking care of her kiddyboos', even as adults. There were only two people more important to Sonja than her husband and children: her grandsons, Roan and Fenn. Roan's birth eight years ago brightened Sonja's world. Roan and his Grandma had a uniquely special connection and had tremendous love for one another. They did everything together: baked, painted, played rummy every day before school, and anything else Roan felt like doing. Sonja loved to help organize events and games for Roan and his friends from the neighbourhood, and was affectionately known as Grandma Sonja to all of them. Fenn's arrival in 2011 made Sonja's role as Super Grandma kick into high gear. What her boys wanted, her boys got, and there was nothing anyone could do about it if they disagreed. This past summer, Sonja's favourite thing to do was to sit on the deck with Phil to watch Roan and Fenn run around the backyard - absolutely nothing could wipe the smile from her face when she was around them. Sonja would tell anyone who would listen that she was going to be a Grandma for a third time, and fought bravely and desperately to be present for the baby's arrival on December 9. Her family will ensure her legacy and loving spirit will live on for all her grandkids. Sonja had many interests and talents besides being Super Grandma. She loved to paint, bake, cook, sew and craft. She knew how to throw a fastball and became pretty adept at mini sticks. Sonja loved the simple things in life and there was no one she enjoyed sharing them with more than her husband Phil. Together they would go to the casino, local attractions, on day trips, and out for breakfast every weekend. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and technicians at CancerCare Manitoba and the NEHA nurses and support staff. Thank you to family, friends and neighbours for their unwavering support of the entire Coe family. An extremely special thank you to two extremely special people: Lynne Steiner, who was selflessly by Sonja's (and Phil's) side daily and took great care of her, both emotionally and physically; and Sharon Chapman, Sonja's bestest friend', who cared for her in sickness and in health and kept her smiling and laughing until the end. Thank you. A Celebration of Sonja's Life will take place on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Oak Bank Baptist Church, 26033 Springfield Rd., Oak Bank, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sonja's memory to Canadian Tire Jumpstart, a charity dedicated to removing barriers so all children can participate in organized sport and recreation. Please visit: http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca "You make me happy When skies are gray" www.seasonsfunerals.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 23, 2013
Condolences & Memories (16 entries)
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Sending loving thoughts and prayers to you all – dear Phil, Pat, Kathy and Roan, Chris, Robyn, Jeff and Fenn. I know this is a great loss to you all – Sonja was a very dear and loving woman and will always hold a special place in your hearts. I trust that in time the memories of all the happy times you spent together will blunt the sorrow you feel today. I know this to be true: 'I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.’- (Leo Buscaglia) Thinking of you this evening especially, with love - Posted by: Jo-Ann Roy () on: Nov 28, 2013
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We are so sorry for your loss. I remember getting to see first hand what a loving and generous mother you have when she had prepared a huge spread the day after your incredible wedding day. There is so much love within your family, and what an honor it is for us to be a part of it. We now have an angel we know by name. Our love and thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Susan and Paul Lachance (Friend of Robyn Coe) on: Nov 28, 2013
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November 19th the world lost a truly amazing woman. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Coe, Patrik, Kathy, Roan, Chris, Robyn, Jeff and Fenn. I'm so sorry I could not be there for all of you. I have so many memories of Mrs. Coe. My earliest memories are getting rides to school in the bitter winter. I will also cherish our talks, the trips to the casino, her amazing cooking which I was able to have many times. Most of all I will forever remember her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. I love you Mrs. Coe and we will meet again one day xoxoxo Thank you for the memories. - Posted by: Danielle Chapman (Family friend) on: Nov 28, 2013
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November 19th the world lost a truly amazing woman. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Coe, Patrik, Kathy, Roan, Chris, Robyn, Jeff and Fenn. I'm so sorry I could not be there for all of you. I have so many memories of Mrs. Coe. My earliest memories are getting rides to school in the bitter winter. I will also cherish our talks, the trips to the casino, her amazing cooking which I was able to have many times. Most of all I will forever remember her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. I love you Mrs. Coe and we will meet again one day xoxoxo Thank you for the memories. - Posted by: Danielle Chapman (Family friend) on: Nov 28, 2013
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Our deepest sympathy to the Coe family - Posted by: Bill & Debbie Charles (friends) on: Nov 27, 2013
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We are so sorry to hear of your family's loss. Although we have not hung around in recent years Alan and I will always remember the good times back in the day. We will always remember her laughing and smiling. Take care Phil and family. - Posted by: Alan and Linda Anderson (Friend ) on: Nov 26, 2013
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Mr. Coe, Pat, Chris and Robyn - I am so very sorry for your loss and the heartbreak you and your families must be feeling. Sonja was such a beautiful woman and I am grateful to have known her - from all the rides to school on those cold winter mornings many years ago, to random casino visits and most recently the support, encouragement and friendship she showed me. My sympathy and love to all of you. - Posted by: Lisa Quaye (Major) (Family Friend) on: Nov 25, 2013
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My deepest condolences, Sonja was an incredible person, I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Glenn Prokoppa (Worked with Phil and a Brooklands bum ) on: Nov 25, 2013
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I wanted to send my condolences to the friends and family of Sonia. She was a very nice person, and she raised a really wonderful family. She was always at the local games and was a big supporter of local events. I would see the way she was with her Rowen - and would think that she was a great grandmother to have. I know that she will be missed a lot by her friends and family. I had a laugh with her at Pat and Kathy`s get togethers where I would drink all her homemade lemon vodka!! She informed it was her secret recipe. She was very generous and really kind. And she remembered everyone. My heart goes out to her friends and family. Bless you Ms Coe From DD - Posted by: Dorothea Dowell () on: Nov 24, 2013
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Our deepest sympathy to the Coe family for their loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. - Posted by: Eugene/ Marian Fosty (Old friends) on: Nov 24, 2013
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We had such a nice visit with Sonja, sharing a cup of coffee and lots of laughs. We had no idea that would be our last visit. Our sincere condolences to you, her family. She has left you with a strong heritage and many wonderful memories - Posted by: Barbara and Allan Bayne (Sister in law) on: Nov 23, 2013
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My thoughts are with your families at this sad time. - Posted by: Bernice Yaskowich (Cousin) on: Nov 23, 2013
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To Phil and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Coe was such a beautiful person. We're honoured to have had her as a friend. She will be missed. - Posted by: Randy and Kristy Magnusson (Family friend) on: Nov 23, 2013
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Auntie Sonja gave me so many amazing childhood memories. Things that I will always remember. My children were lucky enough to meet her, and fell in love with her immediately. It was a sad day in our household when we got the phone call. I miss and love her so much. Our family was blessed to have had her in our lives. Uncle Phil, Pat, Chris and Robyn I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine how you are feeling. I just know how hard it is for us, and know it is so much harder for you. Our thoughts and love are with all of you, Leanne and family xoxox - Posted by: Leanne Hall (Neice) on: Nov 23, 2013
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We knew Sonja as a friend, meat counter smilly, sports & many other celebrations. May God give the family strength at this time of sorrow and remember the good times with mom and the wife - Posted by: Rose Bodz & family (friend from Oakbank) on: Nov 23, 2013
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Sorry to hear of you family's loss Robyn. May you all take comfort in all the wonderful memories of time shared... - Posted by: Myra Kowalski (Customer at FamilyFare) on: Nov 23, 2013