Sonja Mary Stergar

SONJA MARY STERGAR (nee Zupan) age 87, beloved wife of the late Frank Jr. for 60 years; loving mother of Tim, Jeff (wife Carole), Greg (wife Laura), Chris (wife Petra) and Cindy Adkins (husband Chris); devoted grandmother of 10; cherished daughter of the late Ferdinand and Maria (nee Blazir) Zupan; dearest sister of Erika Mundey (husband Mann, deceased) and Rudy Zupan (wife Mariann); treasured sister-in-law of Ann Erdani (husband Miro, deceased), Mary Rees (husband Dave, deceased) and the late Millie Jeraj (husband Frank, deceased) and Wally Stergar (wife Kathy); dear aunt, great-aunt and cousin of many

Sonja was born on August 2, 1937, to Ferdinand and Maria Zupan in Kranj, Slovenia. As a child, she was often called Sophie and spent part of her childhood in Austria before emigrating to the United States in 1950, where she went on to graduate from Notre Dame Academy in 1956. When she was 7 years old, she met Frank Jr and proudly proclaimed that she was going to marry him. Sure enough, they were wed in 1963, sharing 60 years of marital bliss together. The two of them started a family and raised 5 children, putting down their roots in Willowick Ohio in 1967, where they remained until their passing. Sonja was dedicated to her Catholic Faith and was an active parishioner at St. Vitus and St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church respectively, and she was a regular volunteer at St. Mary Magdalene's weekly bingo nights for several years. Sonja was equally devoted to her family and took on the important role of homemaker. She also worked for Ohio Bell as a switchboard operator and at McDonald's as a line cook. Sonja could also be found gardening, reading, completing crossword puzzles, and spending time outside watching the wildlife in her backyard during her free time. What brought her the most enjoyment in life though, was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. One of her favorite family traditions was making her famous plum dumplings and Slovenian potato salad with her children and later her grandchildren. Sonja was regarded as a great cook and had a knack for traditional Slovenian recipes. Sonja was an avid fan of polka music, especially the Tyrolean and Slovenian styles. Sonja was a people person, having plenty of friends in the neighborhood, and always looking forward to her weekly visits to the grocery store. Sonja often laughed at her husband's wry sense of humor yet had a sense of humor that was all her own. Sonja was a nurturing presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She was a strong woman in her own right, facing many hardships at the beginning of her life, that helped carry her through her 87 years. She was a lover of all creatures big and small, but she loved her family more than anything. Sonja was called home to heaven and to her husband's side on May 20, 2025, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She will be dearly missed by all those who had the honor of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Sonja to St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St., Willowick, OH 44095, or St. Vitus Church, 6019 Lausche Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. 

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church at 10 AM. 

Burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman at 12:15 PM. 

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Sonja at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 3-7 PM.