VIVIAN SONYA CHARBONNEAU

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VIVIAN SONYA CHARBONNEAU (nee PRATT) April 4, 1952 - December 22, 2015 Sonya Charbonneau lost her difficult battle with aggressive thyroid cancer on the afternoon of December 22, 2015 at Health Sciences Centre. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Sonya is survived by her husband Laurier; her sons, Chris, Joel and Eric (Jennifer); her granddaughters, Mara and Elizabeth. Sonya was predeceased by her mother Barbara; her father Lionel; and her sister Helen. Sonya was born into a very large family in Day Star Reserve, Saskatchewan on April 4, 1952. Sonya relocated with her family to Winnipeg, Manitoba as a child. Growing up in Winnipeg she completed school, was known to actively compete in team sports such as softball and bowling and passed her love of sports on by supporting her children in their sports activities. Sonya was dedicated and passionate in helping the Aboriginal community through her services with the Friendship Centre and with Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre from 1973 to 2015. Sonya enjoyed building long standing relationships with her co-workers while working together to help numerous families, individuals and communities. Through this time of grieving, the family has received overwhelming support from her co-workers at Ma Mawi as well as all those she has helped over the years. Sonya considered her co-workers to be family. Sonya met her husband Laurier on June 19, 1971 which was the start of their 44 year relationship. They married June 25, 1977 at Marymount Chapel. Her love and devotion as a wife and mother shone through raising their three sons together. She was very proud of her children, always loving, always giving. Sonya was overjoyed with the news of her first grandchild, Joel's daughter, Mara. She was happy to be able to spend so much time with her granddaughter as she grew up. Overjoyed again with the news of a second grandchild, Eric's daughter, Elizabeth on the way, she found the will and strength to fight her illness. Unfortunately, Sonya lost her battle before she could meet Elizabeth. Sonya's love and spirit will always remain with her children and grandchildren for many years, her stories will be told, her love will be shared. Sonya will always be remembered for her loving nature, her generosity, and her kindness. To honour her request, she was cremated and her ashes will remain with her family. A traditional memorial ceremony will be held to honour Sonya's life at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, January 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Doors are open to family and friends to come celebrate the memory and life of Sonya. The Charbonneau family would like to thank everyone at Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre for all their help and support through this time of grievance, we will forever be grateful. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca/donate To continue research in the fight against cancer. To Sonya, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend: You will always be missed, and never forgotten. Thank you for all your love and generosity. We love you. May you be at peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2016