SONNENBERG, Erna

SONNENBERG Erna Sonnenberg, of Coaldale, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Adam Sonnenberg, passed away peacefully with family by her side in Calgary on September 12, 2024 at the wonderful age of 92 years.
Erna was born July 21st, 1932 in Weissenfelde, Landkreis Sichelberg, East Prussia (now Poland). Erna was the fourth child in a family of ten children. As a child, Erna’s siblings were her best friends.
During World War II, Erna was sent to a concentration camp in Poland. While in the camp, she met the Sonnenberg Family and she became a pen pal to the eldest son Adam. On December 21st, 1954, Erna and Adam were married at Christ Trinity Lutheran Church in Lethbridge. Erna and Adam settled in the Coaldale area and eventually built a beautiful home for themselves that Erna lived in until June of this year. Erna enjoyed spending time outside in her large garden and was very involved with the Lutheran Church. When Erna wasn’t busy with her flowers and plants she filled her time with reading, knitting, embroidery, sewing, cooking and baking. Erna loved to listen to German folk and religious songs.
Family was the cornerstone of Erna’s life and she was blessed with 4 children, 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. In addition to being a devoted daughter, sister and wife, she was an amazing Mom, Oma, Gross Oma, aunt and friend. She will truly be missed.
Erna is survived by her children Natalie (Ken) Zablocki, Erika (Loren) Winnick, Robert (Raeleen) Sonnenberg, and John (Teresa) Sonnenberg and their families: Shauna (Seann) Eldan, Logan & Alyssa; Christopher (Reece) Zablocki; Loren Winnick Jr; Kirk (Meagan) Winnick, Elias & June; John Winnick; Kent (Katie) Winnick; Joe (Heather) Sonnenberg, Jeremiah, Drummond & Tate; Joshua (Jolene) Sonnenberg, Reuben & Caleb; Matthew (Rachel) Sonnenberg, Edith, Greta, Linnea, Leif; Laura Sonnenberg; Adam Sonnenberg; and Miriam Sonnenberg. She is also survived by siblings in Germany; along with numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews both in Germany and Canada.
Erna was predeceased by her husband Adam, five of her siblings, her granddaughter Melissa, several infant great grandchildren and others that she loved dearly.
Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers that helped Erna in Coaldale and Calgary.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Christ Trinity Lutheran Church, 416 12 St S, Lethbridge, AB. Interment to follow at Coaldale Cemetery.
A Viewing will be held from 10:00 to 10:45am prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Christ Trinity Lutheran Church or EFT’s can be sent to: christ.trinity2020@gmail.com
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca