Obituary of Sonja Janina BRANDT (nee Zupnik)

May 1, 1929 – Krakow, Poland

June 18, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Sonja Brandt, beloved wife of the late Gilbert Brandt, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 18, 2021, at the age of 92 years.

Sonja was born in Krakow, Poland on May 1, 1929. Early life before the Second World War was amazing. Sonja enjoyed trips with her family, art and dance classes, and adventures in the Girl Scouts. At age ten everything changed overnight, as German troops took over Poland and her father was taken away. Life for her remaining family was forever changed. The end of the war brought no relief to the Poles as the oppression just changed from German to Soviet Rule.

Despite the drawbacks of war and occupation by two foreign powers, Sonja graduated from the Business Academy, with training in Secretarial Arts, in 1949. With no bright prospects and longing for the freedom of her youth, Sonja escaped “Sound of Music” style to Austria and claimed refugee status.

With the assistance of compassionate new friends Sonja completed the required paperwork and was accepted for immigration to Canada. Travelling by ship, Sonja arrived in Canada in November 1951, and obtained Canadian Citizenship in April of 1957.

Sonja married Gilbert Leslie Brandt in May of 1957. Sonja loved being a wife and Mother, and took to raising five children, and participating in all the supporting activities this job entailed.

With children grown Sonja returned to the workforce in 1979, with Royal Trust Securities and achieved “Outstanding Employee” honours in her department. After retiring in 1992, Sonja put on the “Nana” hat and devoted her time to visiting and spending time with each of her grandchildren.

Sonja will always be grateful to Canada for welcoming her and its values of freedom and kindness, just as her saviour Jesus died on the cross to save us all.

Sonja survived by her children, Clifford Brandt, Jessica Brandt, Suzanne Collins (Rod), and Sonia Howe (Doug); her six grandchildren, Jacob, Spencer, Olivia, Logan, Megan, and Benjamin; and her great-grandchild Cecil. She is also survived by members of her “adopted” family the Rosenberg’s, to whom she will always be known as “Aunt Sonja”, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends across the country, continent, and world.

Sonja was predeceased by her husband Gilbert, her son Anthony, her granddaughter Shelby Collins, her parents, Jan Andrew Zupnik and Katarzyna (nee Rusniak); her sister Emilia Piesecka, and her nephew Billy Brandt.

A Celebration of Sonja’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB), on Sunday, July 04, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the dedicated staff of the Chinook Intercare Hospice for the care they took of Sonja.

In living memory of Sonja Brandt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.