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Sonia Sidell Obituary
Sonia was born on Aug. 19, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Paul and Marilyn (Morse) Walter. She has one brother, Donald, and his wife, Ruth, and family of Rochester, N.Y. She graduated from Madison High School in 1955 where she was a member of the band, the KV Band, the basketball team and the National Honor Society.
She had enjoyed 53 years of marriage and companionship with her husband, Ray. They shared their life with their four children: Stephen and his wife, Candy, of Embden, Pam Herring and her husband, Blair, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Jan Landry and her husband, Marc, of Fairfield and Judi Veilleux and her husband, Dana, of Somersworth, N.H. She was "Grammy" to nine beautiful grandchildren: Jana and Nikole who lovingly helped care for her, Britt, Justin, Jade, Mitchell, Dylan, Spencer and Jackson. She was also "Great Grammy" to Deyon, Bain, Kadyn and Bella. She will be dearly missed by them all.
Sonia worked at the Madison-Anson Sanitary District for many years. In 1982 she and Ray purchased the Madison Pizzarama. She enjoyed her weekly bowling league, gardening, holiday cooking for family and friends, watching her birds on her deck and taking long rides on Sundays with Ray and friends looking for wildlife. Her greatest passion was playing cribbage several times a week whether it was out locally, or across the world on her home computer. She was a loyal member of the United Methodist Church of North Anson and looked so forward to her weekly visits there to be in the presence of the Lord with her minister and special parishioners who all cared so deeply for her.
Her family has been comforted by the support and stories from her friends and community organizations who have shared their appreciation of her generosity, endless smile, her passion to help those in need and her zest for life. Her family is especially grateful to Holly and Betty of HealthReach Hospice for their unending dedication and love that went above and beyond their duties. Sonia shared a beautiful friendship of more than 30 years with her special friend and neighbor, Ella Mae. We can't begin to express our gratitude to all of the friends, neighbors and community for their support, prayers and love.
Visiting hours will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Giberson Funeral Home on Maple Street in Madison. A celebration of her life will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the United Methodist Church in North Anson.
The church will also host a gathering after the service downstairs for those who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to HealthReach Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sonia Sidell
Dan Low
February 27, 2023
The neighborhood is just not the same without Sonia and Ray. Without a doubt they've tracked down Carl by now and have played hundreds of of practical jokes on each other!
Richard Stoutamyer
March 12, 2009
So sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Joe and Gail Savoy
March 11, 2009
We go back so long ago.I have many cherished memories,I will never forget.We love you and will miss you very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Irene (Wheeler) Wagner
March 10, 2009
Dear Ray and Family
Sincere condolances to you at this sad a difficult time. Though I didn't know Sandra well in High School, as I attended MHS for only two years. I did get to know and love her at the most recent reunions, and the many luncheons we attended together. Please know that my thoughts and prayers remain with you.
Vanessa Bruce (Savoy)
March 10, 2009
To the only other mother that called me VAN except my own,I will miss you very much. My prayers are with you and the family.
harold hutchinson
March 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Debbie (Bowen) Blackwell & Carla Bowen
March 9, 2009
Dear Sidell Family,
Our sympathies to you all. The loss of a mother, father, spouse, is one of the hardest things a family will go through. We still find it hard to believe that its been almost a year since Daddy went to be with the Lord. Sonia was a sweet lady and good friend to Mom. May your memories keep you smiling as you wait for that loving reunion in Heaven in someday.
Lois Fout
March 9, 2009
To Sonia's fam. my prayers are with you all. I had the pleasure of meeting this beauitful lady through my mother, Gini Luster on a trip to Madison where she grew up, she was playing cards in the back of a little town bar.What fun it was to watch my mother & her catch up on the fun they had when they were young. I saw her sweet little pizza place, and mom & I were invited to her home for a lovely lunch. We couldnt stay long because the drive back to ct. was a long ride. I just wanted your family to know what a delight it was to have meet such a wonderful lady. God Bless you all. Peace be with you.
Sandra Carrie
March 9, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Lee Longe
March 8, 2009
Ray & Family
On behalf of the officers and firemen and women of the Madison Fire Dept. and auxiliary we extend our prayers and condolences to you and the family.
You folks have always been instrumental in your generosity to us , whenever we had an all nighter or any serious situation over the thirty yrs that I was involved with the fire dept.
Again our thoughts and prayers are with you one and all.
Sincerly Lee R.Longe
Chaplain MFD
Shari Berry
March 7, 2009
Sidell Family - Just to let you know we are thinking of you all. You are in our hearts and prayers at this time. Take care of each other and hold on to your fondest memories. Love, Dan & Shari Berry
David Clark
March 7, 2009
From a boy with the whitest pants on the football team from hand scrubbing by Sonia, peanutless peanut brittle at Christmas I have received for years, from a young man sharing the birth of your first two grandchildren, I have been blessed to share beautiful moments in my life with you. I am grateful for all of the love and support I have recieved from Raymond and Sonia over the 33 years of being part of their lives. Whether a hug, hand shake, a wave when walking across the street, an e-mail from many miles away their love and kindness was always felt. My visit during Thanksgiving was beautiful and I felt the warmth of your love when I entered your home. Through determination and love I did receive my peanutless peanut brittle this year, a gift of love. As people are brought together for a purpose they shall never part. I am thankful for being a part of your life. Sonia through the angels around you I look forward to peanutless peanut brittle next year. Raymond you and Sonia have always been so kind to me, my deepest love and appreciation is sent to you. We must all remember to Love one another, laugh as often as we can, and Live today for no one is promised tomorrow. As the catepillar changes into the next phase of life as a butterfly, so shall we. My heart will be with you during the celebration of Sonia's life.
God bless you, David Clark
Nikole (Nikki) Phillips (Clark)
March 6, 2009
Grammie,
How amazing you were and will continue to be from heaven. Words can't begin to explain the loss our world has felt. It comforts me to know you are at peace and watching over me. Kadyn asked me the other day how he was going to talk to you while you were in heaven. "I don't even have the phone number for heaven" he said...what an innocent, beautiful moment...I know you heard that and I am looking forward to the many conversations he will learn to have with you within his heart. Bella will always remember the weekend she spent making "great grammie smile"...the memories will continue on forever!!! So will the picture of me skunking you the very first time I learned to play cribbage...I miss your smiles, your hugs, your sense of humor and tough love already!! Heaven is lucky to have such an angel! Love you always and forever... P.S. I hope you left me the apple jelly recipe somewhere!
Jane Hinkel
March 6, 2009
Ray and family,
My entire family would like to express their deepest sympathy to each of you. Sonia was such a warm, caring, beatuiful lady who will be sadly missed by all. I know that my mother always looked forward coming home to Maine every summer to spend time with her very special freinds.
Love & prayers
Jane Currie Hinkel & Family
Doris, Jennie & Penny Perkins/Denis
March 6, 2009
So sorry to hear of Sonia"s passing. Know that she will always be near you all and in your hearts forever. She is at peace now with no pain or afflictions. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.
Please accept our deepest sympathy,
Dan Low
March 6, 2009
To Ray and Family,
So sorry to hear of Sonia's passing. She was a remarkable lady, and a wonderful friend to us all. Please don't hesitate to call if you folks need anything.
Marilyn Thibodeau
March 6, 2009
To Ray and Family, I have known of Sonias illness thru friends in Madison She was a special person. I knew her from high school, she was always smiling, always had time to chat with you. Marilyn Russell Thibodeau
Debbie and Al Veneziano
March 6, 2009
Sonia's family,
Our neighborhood has suffered a great loss but I know she will keep us all in line from above.
The Christmas lights will always be a light for Sonia, as she was a light for us..
Love to you all...
Lisa Clement
March 6, 2009
Dear Judi and Dana,
Our sympathies for the loss of your mom. May Sonia's spirit give you strength and embrace you with love.
We hope to see you at the Bujold Sebago Lake reunion in August.
With love,
Lisa, Charlie, Julien, Andre & Evie Clement
Sybil Leland
March 6, 2009
When John and I returned to Madison to live part time 36 years after leaving, Sonia hailed me from across the street, calling out "Hello Sister". From that time on she had me in her friendship circle.
Soon after that we were invited to take a Saturday ride with Ray and Sonia (no one warned me). We were gone for 8 hours!!!!! Many more rides ensued; we took roads I never knew existed, saw the sights of woodland Maine including moose, ate at places we had never been. When we sold our little Madison house and returned full-time to our home in NH we would meet halfway between NH and ME for lunch and a visit. We tried to suggest places on the coast that they had never been, but only succeeded once. They knew their state very well.
Sonia had a zest for life, courage, determination, and a sense of sharing. Her friendliness and love abounded. She was a great cook and loved doing it. You were lucky to receive her English muffins and crabapple jellly or raspberry jam for Christmas and she was one of the best housekeepers in town.
Her love for her children and pride in her extended family knew no bounds.
She was a fount of knowledge about Madison's recent history and seemed to know everyone in town. She kept her H.S. class together, planning their reunions and keeping in touch with everyone.
She was a true Madison woman who contributed much to the people of her town.
My father and her mother were in the same high school class. My mother and her mother were artists and friends together and it was only right that she and I picked up that relationship.
I think of her often and her love and zest for life are with me forever.
With love and sympathy to Ray, Steve, Pam, Jan and Judy
Sybil Edwards Leland
Donna Churchill (Cornforth)
March 6, 2009
Ray and family, I was so sorry to hear of Sonia's passing. She was such a great lady, I remember so well my years of working with you two,,it is one of my best memories from when the kids were little. It's been a while since I have seen her but doesn't seem like it was really that long ago I saw her in Hannaford picking up the essentials for Pizzarama. We would always stand and talk for a bit catching up on life,,,I will miss that. You two were such a great pair and I know it will be hard for you to see life without her there but you have a beautiful family, you will all help each other through this. She has left an empty spot in all who knew her but will be forever in our hearts.
John and Sonia Mathieu
March 6, 2009
Jan, Marc, Justin, Jade,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother and Grandmother, Sonia. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. We know first hand that it is impossible to replace a mother, but know one will ever be able to erase the memories that you shared.
Love,
John, Sonia, Tony, Hannah
Gini Luster
March 5, 2009
My dear Ray and your wonderful family: Tho i am far away you are so in my thougths and prayers and have been for some time. Sonia and I have been friends from child hood thro life and tho we were apart by miles we always were in touch with each other. I so enjoyed our visits when I was in Maine; for a brief time we ran up and down old point ave with our pals and talked about our happy childhood. What wonderful memories we shared. Sonia has always been a wonderful friend and I will miss her. She could light up the world with her smile and adored her family. Many years have past but I will meet again with my friend.I wish i could be there with you on Sat. ;but the miles between will not let me. Be assured you are loved and I am with you in thought and prayer. Take care of each other . God has taken a very special angel. My very best love Virgina(Gini )
Collins Luster
Gretchen Stevens (Harris)
March 5, 2009
Dear Judi and family,
Judi, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother! I have so many memories of always seeing her at the Pizzarama everytime I stopped in after school with you, and whenever I came to visit after we graduated. Always had a smile on her face, and endless pictures of her kids and grandkids to brag about...and with good reason! It's not easy losing a parent, and I'm so sorry you've had to experience such a loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts. Love, Gretchen
Jim & Dottie Ireland
March 5, 2009
To Ray,Steve,Pam,Jan,Judi
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sonia was the first person to greet us when we moved to Madison many years ago. We became great friends and spent many good times together. She will be missed by many.
Thinking of you with love.
Keith Seamans
March 5, 2009
Stephen, Pam and Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. I am thinking of you during this time.
Dodie Dillon
March 5, 2009
Ray and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Tom & Dodie Dillon
Paula Walter Taylor
March 5, 2009
Dearest Ray, Steve, Pam, Jan, Judi and Families,
It saddens me to hear of Sonia's passing. Life is certainly full of trials and tribulations. From first hand, I have recently learned just how important and supportive our families can be. Please know that you are ALL in my thoughts and prayers. I am certain that Mom and Dad have lost a dear, dear friend in Sonia, who throughout the years has helped to bring fun adventures, lots of laughs, and heartfelt memories to our entire family. It will be those special memories that we will hold close to our hearts and those same memories that will take her place now. Look out for each other now and know that you will ALL continue to be in my thoughts.
Stacy Veilleux
March 5, 2009
Ray and Family,
What a blessing that you were all there with her when she went to heaven! I will always remember Sonia's smile. She had the best, warm and welcoming smile that made you feel all cozy inside when she smiled at you. What a beautiful lady inside and out. I only pray I look half as good as she did at 70!
Love and prayers to you all.
Kelly Hall
March 5, 2009
Sidell family
So sorry for the loss to you and to the rest of us as well. She was a wonderful woman and the unwavering support you all provided to her was amazing to watch. I will cherish our recent time together and forever picture that smile on her face.
Paul Vaillancourt
March 5, 2009
I knew Sonia and her mother from church; I first met her back in 1992, when I was 15. I hadn't seen her in years, but I remember we would often sit in the same row. She always had a positive attitude, and she was always friendly.
A former Embden, Maine, resident,
Lisa Clark
March 5, 2009
Sidell Family,
The world is without a wonderful lady today and heaven is a livelier, more spirited place! As dark as today must seem to you all, remember that eventually there will be brighter days ahead.
"The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears" john vance cheney
My thoughts and prayers are with you all...God Bless you.
Lauren Landry
March 5, 2009
To Aunt Jan, Uncle Boo Boo, Justin, Jade, and the rest of the family,
My sympathies are with you, and I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Sonia Sidell was a beautiful, kind, caring, and generous woman. And Aunt Jan, all of those traits she passed on to you. Remember, she will always be with you wherever you go. She will be the sun in the sky and the angel over your shoulder. Our mothers will always be there to look after us, and you will forever continue to make her proud. I love you.
Brandon Hagopian
March 5, 2009
I've known Sonia since I was little. See would call up and say "hey we have a pizza for you why don't you come and get it." I would be so excited I would run from my parents house to Pizzarama to get it. Seeing her up at Cribbage was a joy. Sonia was always happy and put a smile on everyones face. She will be missed.
Heather Mitchell
March 5, 2009
Ray, Jan and Family.
I was truely saddened to hear of the passing of Sonia. I was hoping to see her one last time. Her strength and courage did not go un-noticed. She was an amazing woman. Knowing she is up there watching over you...what a great feeling....She was an angel in our world, and will be an angel in the hevens as well. I am truely blessed to have you in my life. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Love you,
Heather
Keenan & Jitter Pindar
March 5, 2009
Ray and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Sonia. My family kept us posted as to how she was doing and what a brave fight she had, never giving up. I know it doesn't help but her suffering is over and God now will take care of her like you did for 53 plus years. Sonia never changed, always smiling and happy. Since we heard about the illness, she and you have been in our prayers. May God watch over you and give you the strength to go on. Sounds like you have a wonderful family and they'll be there for you. We'll always remember the times we just drove around town trying to find something to do or some mischief to get into. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keenan and Jitter Pindar New Britain, CT
Nancy Gamache
March 5, 2009
Ray,I remember you telling me Sonia is a remarkable woman..It shows, Just look at her family..and the love that you shared...one can only wish for that! So sadly she will be missed, but come Christmas Morning there will fresh english muffins and crabapple jelly on my table...I love her for that..Take care and I'll be in touch soon..
Don McLeod
March 5, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear about Sonia. She will be missed by all who knew her. I remember her for her sense of hunor and her big heart. She's at peace now, with no more suffering.
Mary & Bob Rowell
March 5, 2009
Our condolences to the Sidel Family at this time of sorrow.We have known Sonia a long time and she was a joy to be with, she always had a smile and a cup of tea ready for you. She will always be in our hearts.
Mary & Bob Rowell
March 5, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We have known Sonia for many years. She was a joy to be with and always had a smile on her face. She will be missed dearly
Marlene Harris
March 5, 2009
I am sorry to hear of Sonia's passing
May you have strengh to endure at a very sad time
Lorraine and David ARSENAULT
March 5, 2009
To all the family, We are so sorry for your loss. Sonia was a beautiful lady. We are so glad that we got to see her and tell her we loved her when we saw her just a couple of weeks ago. We will miss her. There are so many happy memories that we will have in our hearts forever of Sonia. Living next door to her for years have made those memories for us and we will never forget them.
Beverly Megill
March 5, 2009
Sonia was a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person who had many friends. She was MY best friend in High School and I shared many good times with her. We enjoyed playing basketball, and many other activities together through those years. Although we kept in touch through the years and saw each other occasionally, we never did get to do the things we planned to do together upon retirement. That is a source of real sadness to me. Family was always a big topic of our conversations (telephone and e-mail) and Sonia alway expressed such love for her family. My sincere condolences to you, Ray, and all of your family. Watching someone you love slipping away is so difficult but her suffering on this earth is thankfully over and her spirit is now in a wonderful place. She was loved by her family and her many friends and will always be very fondly remembered. May your happy memories of Sonia help sustain you and your family through the difficult days ahead.
Most sincerely,
Lisa LaChance (Cahill)
March 5, 2009
Judi and family...just wanted to let you know that you are all in my thoughts...The yeas have passed so quickly but the memories will forever remain..love to you all..
David & Faith Christopher
March 5, 2009
Dear Ray & Family,
Our sincere condoleances on your loss.Sonia was a wonderful person,loved by all who knew her.In our community that was so many.May God bless you all in your time of sorrow.
Becky Grant Judkins
March 5, 2009
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with Sonja at the Pizzarame when I came home to visit with my parents. We always would catch up on everyone's lives. She was a great person and I know a wonderful mother and wife. She will be greatly missed.
Wally & Babe Grant
March 5, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Grace Johnson
March 5, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
AL CAIN
March 5, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Jeanine Brown
March 5, 2009
A 'great lady', a pleasure to have met this wonderful person.
Robert Landry
March 5, 2009
Ray and family, its been along time but I remember Sonia well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family in your time of sorrow. Sonia always had a smile that just glowed. I'm sure she is in God's hands now and at peace. God Bless All of you.
Bob and Marilyn Landry
Zephyrhills, Florida
Jessie Delano
March 5, 2009
Jana and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Buster & Bonnie Barron
March 5, 2009
Ray & family, Very sorry for your loss of Sonia. She was a very special friend & alot of fun to joke with. She is in a better place now & God bless you all.
Linda-Jo Andrews (Ferris)
March 5, 2009
My heart goes out to you all in the loss of Sonia. I have known her kind, caring smile and compassionate personality since my childhood. She was a very special person. I loved her. I will miss her.
Jana Kitchin
March 5, 2009
Grammie,
Thank you for everything you taught me, the guidance you gave, never ending love you held, and teaching me how to get my butt kicked in cribbage! :) I will forever miss you!!!! I love you always :)
John Kenney
March 5, 2009
Ray and Family.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.May it give all of you comfort knowing that Sonia is now at peace with God.She certainly gave it a valiant effort.
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