Obituary of Sonya Peltzner

June 14, 1942 – Dobšina, Slovakia
April 6, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Sonya Peltzner (Vojtková) on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

Sonya was born in Slovakia and immigrated to Canada in 1968, having graduated from the Pedagogic Institute of Košice, Slovakia with a degree in Education. She applied her skills and aptitude in caring for children with disabilities during her long career at Providence in Calgary.

Sonya married Anthony in 1984 in the Vatican, surprising their friends upon their return. The happy couple enthusiastically celebrated their 25th Anniversary with dear friends in Calgary in 2009.

She was extensively involved with the Slovak community in Calgary, taking a genuine interest in others. She would ask anyone about anything, and generously helped people in need.

Sonya accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of her fabulous meals, plates of “trubičky”, pots of leek soup, handiwork, crocheting, knitting, gifting to others, and her extensive collection of artwork and mementos. She delighted in her garden, hosting friends who visited on her beautiful balcony overlooking aspen trees.

Sonya loved travelling, and for many years she and Anthony vacationed in Hawaii, Florida, and Windermere. They visited Montreal, Italy, Slovakia, and Anthony’s beloved Isle of Capri, among other destinations.

Sonya’s favourite pastime was visiting with her grandchildren, and an entourage of friends, neighbours, and acquaintances who delighted in her company. She will be most remembered for her vibrant personality; full of generosity, kindness, attentiveness and concern for others.

She was always an immense presence in her community; inquisitive, good-natured, with a youthful sense of humour. She knew people’s life stories intimately and wove those threads together into a beautiful tapestry. Our “Teta” Sonya made this world a better place for all who were lucky enough to know her.

She has joined her dear husband, Anthony Peltzner, who died almost ten years ago. She is predeceased by her first husband, Leslie Vojta, and her brother, Milo Vojtko. Sonya’s family living in Calgary includes Anthony’s daughters, Christine Mennis, her husband Dale and their children, Taylor, Logan, and Sierra; Elena Walter and her children, Katrina, Matthew, and Justin; Anthony’s daughter-in-law Marie Dyer Fulton and her children, Kristin and Michael and their families. They will miss “Sonya”, “Baba”, who loved them all fiercely and unconditionally.

Her effervescent personality will also be mourned by a plethora of friends in Calgary and around the world, both Slovak and Canadian, whose lives she touched, for whom she cared deeply, and who loved her in return.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Gerard's Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Sonya Peltzner, 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.