Obituary of Sonja Lynne CROWDER

After a courageous 10 month fight, Sonja succumbed with defiance and dignity to the ravages of Sarcoma cancer, with her faithful companion, Zane, and her loving parents, Lynne and Keith, and their faithful companion, Gus, at her side. Sonja was adored and will be missed by sister and brother-in-law, Nadine and David Hof, and her niece, Lauren, all of Cochrane, and their canine family, Gabby and Bella. Sonja will be missed by her aunts and uncles, Carol and Bill Hern and their family, Lori Hern-Heikoop and Alan Heikoop, Glynis Hern, and Paul Hern; Gary Lawrence and his family, Ryan and Megan Lawrence and their sons, Finley and Rhys, and Jennifer Lawrence and her daughter, Kristen; Robert and Ada Lawrence and their son, Brendan; Mark and Gert Lawrence and their daughter, Stephanie, and son, Matt; and Maureen Farish. Numerous other cousins reside throughout Western Canada, Ontario, the United Kingdom and France. Her only remaining great aunt, Grace Crowder, also resides in Ontario. Sonja was predeceased by her grandparents, Norman and Brenda Lawrence, and Lorne and most recently Doreen Crowder. A graduate of The University of Calgary, Sonja was employed for the past eleven years with Fortis Alberta, volunteering in their numerous community initiatives. She was also a frequent fundraising participant in Mud Hero Alberta, and for Alzheimer Society of Calgary and numerous events for cancer-related organizations. Sonja was a devoted follower of the Calgary Flames and frequented Rumble Boxing Studio where she enjoyed a good workout. She also served as President of condominium boards where she lived. The proud owner of a English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sonja was an active member of the Western Canada Pull Club. She supported and volunteered with Underdogs Rescue Society, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to rescuing large “power” breed dogs in shelters across Canada. She also was a staunch supporter of Justice for Bullies, a not-for-profit organization that encourages and demonstrates responsible dog ownership, and advocates for the repeal of breed specific legislation at the municipal and provincial levels of government. Our gratitude cannot be measured for the skill and care Sonja received from the Sarcoma Team, comprised of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists, nurse practitioners and registered nurses at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic. Thanks also to the psychosocial, pain and palliative group team members, and Foothills medical staff on Unit 102, and in Special Services Units 47 and 46. Special thanks to the leadership and staff of Dulcina Hospice for their loving care and compassion shown to Sonja and her family in the last days of her remarkable life. Sonja demonstrated courage and a positive attitude to her many Facebook friends and colleagues at Fortis, and she and her family derived strength from their visits, and comments on her posts and replies to emails. A special thanks to those who visited with Sonja during her stays in the Foothills Medical Centre, Special Services unit and Dulcina Hospice. Four days prior to her passing, Sonja hosted family, friends and coworkers at her “Wake while I’m awake”, held at a northwest Calgary pub, Scotsman’s Well. At Sonja’s request, there will be no service and, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada (). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Sonja Crowder, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., Calgary, Alberta T3G 2T3 Phone: (403) 241-0044.