SONJA GROHMANN CORTINO

Sonja Grohmann Cortino January 1, 1932 ~ August 22, 2010 Sonja Cortino passed away in Petaluma, CA at age seventy-eight on August 22, 2010 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Our father, Carl, called her "Sunny" all their lives, and she certainly was our family's sunshine. She was our best friend, the light of our lives, and the center of our universe. We are heartbroken to have lost our wonderful Mom. Shortly after her diagnosis, Sonja said, "I don't mind going. But I do mind leaving you all behind." She leaves behind a grieving husband, Carl, whom she met in Wiesbaden, Germany shortly after World War II. They married when Sonja was eighteen and celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary in February, 2010. Their children, Juliane Cortino, Thomas J. Cortino, and Deborah M. Sullivan loved her with all their hearts, as did their spouses Lawrence F. Ross and Robert Sullivan. Sonja is also survived by her ninety-five-year-old sister Maria Rust who lives in Bavaria, her nephew Dieter Rust and niece Ingrid Rust, and numerous cousins. Sonja was a people person who loved to perform. As a youngster, she landed bit parts in performances staged by the Wiesbaden Opera Company. She took lessons from a dance studio that served as a feeder school to the Wiesbaden Ballet. She dreamed of becoming a ballerina. The second world war came along and changed all that. But later in life, her beautiful soprano voice made her a welcome addition to her church choir. A standout in every way, Sonja was accepting of everyone and full of boundless love. Fun, spunky, and smart, she made every occasion extra special. She was the keeper of our German heritage, a lover of art, her garden, butterflies and hummingbirds. She spoiled her husband and children to pieces. We shall miss her and hope she is now singing amongst a choir of angels. Family and friends are invited to A Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Elim Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. The address is 504 Baker Street, Petaluma, CA, 94952, 707-762-4081. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the pancreatic cancer research foundation of your choice or The American Cancer Society.