Sonja Louise (Collins) Abel was known for her love of her family, wide beautiful smile and her sarcastic sense of humor. Sonja graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1984, and shortly after she moved to the greater Seattle area. There, she worked for Gais Bakery, now Franz, for 28 years in multiple capacities. Most recently, Sonja worked for Highline School District in food service with teenagers where her sarcasm could truly be appreciated.

Growing up, Sonja spent considerable time her with her maternal grandmother, Lois Louise Hazen while her mother, Bonne, worked at a nearby hospital. Her grandmother, a librarian, spent time with Sonja and her three siblings playing cards and board games, doing puzzles, reading books and watching Sunday Night specials. Sonja considered this a most cherished part of her childhood.

Sonja loved camping, researching genealogy, creating products with her Cricut, purple and butterflies. This quote by an unknown author, fits her perfectly. “Butterflies can’t see their wings. They can’t see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can.” Sonja’s selfless acts for those she loved throughout her 57 years are innumerable.

Sonja spent her last 17 years in the home she shared with her significant and loving other, Dick Richard Obermeit in Covington, Washington. Sonja and Dick met working at Gais Bakery and through her good friend Carlena, Dick’s sister. After falling for him, she fell for his young daughter Sabrina and considered her the youngest of her four children.

From Sonja’s three oldest children, Bridget Frost (LaMoyne), Landon Abel (Adriana) and Cody Abel (Sydney), she became a grandmother to nine grandchildren. Sonja had a substantial presence and influence in the lives of her six granddaughters and three grandsons. Her smile was never wider than when she was holding or entertaining her grandbabies.

Sonja, daughter of Joe Bloesser and Bonnie Carpenter, passed away from a short battle with illness on Dec. 4, 2022.

Sonja is survived by: Dick (Obermeit), her mother Bonnie (Dan), her siblings Charles (Tonya), Richelle (Robert), and Carrie (Matt), her two daughters and two sons, and her nine grandchildren, as well as the many family members and friends who loved her deeply.

There will be a celebration of life for Sonja on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m. at Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel Address: 27221 156th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98042.

Guests are encouraged to wear purple.