(nee Galecki) Born to eternal life on Monday, July 7, 2025, age 83 years. Loving and caring mother of Dawn Karrington. Dear step-grandmother of Alyson, Ashleigh, Amberleigh and Alexandria. Further survived by cousins, other family, countless cherished friends who she considered her chosen family, and former students. She will be especially missed by her cousins, the Furru family, with whom she was very close and spent many holidays and special occasions. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Chester and Esther Galecki.

Sonja was a beloved daughter, mother, cherished friend and devoted catholic. She lived her faith. Her work in schools began at Walker Junior High in Milwaukee and concluded with many years at St. Roman's Grade School. She rarely went somewhere without running into a former student or parent. Sonja had a genuine love for life. She loved to socialize and hardly ever turned down an invitation. She enjoyed hosting dinner parties, going out to dinner with friends, going dancing, listening to live music, singing karaoke, giving gifts and being a "bonus grandma" to many children over the years. Her commitment to helping others through her charity work, her generosity, and her positivity (even through the challenging times) were an inspiration to all.

Memorial Visitation on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 9:30-11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 7219 S. 27th Street, Franklin. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. If desired, memorials to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee Southside Meal Program or the Capuchin Community Services. A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful, caring staff of North Shore at Home Hospice, for your dedication to Sonja and her family.