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Sonja Ann Skarstedt
Sonja Ann Skarstedt
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Sonja Skarstedt Obituary
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15 Entries
Marcia Goldberg
August 11, 2009
To all Sonja's loved ones
I share your grief and sorrow with the loss of this luminary you knew as the brains of the outfit at Empyreal Press and whom my students knew as a wonderful guest poet able to read verse in such a way that everyone sat up suddenly awake to the spoken word. She was a waker upper, and treated me with the greatest of kindness, patience, and encouragement. How could I properly thank her for drawing close, however briefly, to read with a circle of female Montreal poets, to be photographed in the Westmount greenhouse before a reading, and much more: bringing alive my life-long dream to see a beautifully published collection of my poetry so ably edited by Sonja. She was a lovely leader of the arts for all the days she was with us.
Shloime Perel
August 9, 2009
Dear Geoff,
I would like to join with everyone who is expressing their thanks for who Sonja was and is, above all for who she was as a person.
I hope a book will come out, a collection of Sonja's work and memories from her family and friends. I am sure others have suggested this.
Be well,
Shloime
Carolyn Zonailo
August 8, 2009
Sonja’s tall slim figure, her beautiful strawberry blonde hair, her lovely smile, and her voice—slightly hushed and speaking fast—telling an anecdote or talking about poetry and poets. Sonja was always so young, only around age thirty when we met. Still so young, far too young to be gone. Sonja was unique; she was also a quintessential Montrealer, in her lifestyle and in her poetry. And, Sonja made a difference. Given her talents for writing and painting, she still devoted herself to publishing other poets, first in her magazine and then through Empyreal Press. Such energy and ability to do whatever she set out to accomplish! Sonja and her artist husband Geof were an amazing couple, a real team, a powerhouse partnership. It was rare to see Sonja without Geof, or vice versa. They loved each other. They lived art. They gave their energy to art and literature, including Geof’s celebrated comicbook artwork. Sonja divided her talents between painting and writing. She was the poet of the family, and Geof was there supporting her in her poetry, her publishing, and her generosity toward other poets.
It is with great sadness that I think of Sonja’s sparkling self no longer with us to send an email, tell a story that we can laugh along with, because she had a knack for making things funny, side-splittingly so, with Sonja adding details as she went along. The more we laughed, the more witty and humourous she became. But Sonja could also handle serious, be compassionate when her friends suffered illness or hardship. I can’t imagine Geof without the multi-talented, beautiful, vivacious, funny, generous and compassionate Sonja.
Thank you, Sonja, for everything you did for me and for my poetry. I don’t think I could have lived in Montreal without the gift of having known you, and you giving so much of yourself. The community of poets here has lost one of their brightest and best. If I had to describe Sonja in one line, I’d say “So full of life.”
Carolyn Zonailo
Montreal, Quebec
Stephen Morrissey
August 7, 2009
I first met Sonja around 1989 when she and Geof visited me at my home in Huntingdon, Quebec; and now, twenty years later, I am saying farewell to dear Sonja. Dear, dear Sonja, she was someone who could always make me laugh. I want to thank her for all she did for me during the 1990s. She was a true friend. She was generous and talented and a good person. She was widely respected for her creative work, for her writing and publishing and visual art. What a terrible loss. We are devastated by this loss. God bless you, Sonja, whose your life was a blessing for so many.
Stephen Morrissey
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Ann Diamond
August 7, 2009
Dear Geof,
I am still getting over the shock of realizing Sonja has left us. I had been looking forward to seeing her at Amelio's some day soon. But I also knew the last few months had not been easy for either of you, and so I waited -- a little too long.
Last Friday morning, I woke up from a dream about an amazing young woman who had become a street car conductor in some brave, new city where she was helping others to find their way through a maze of darkened streets. She had an air of practical courage, creativity and humour -- just like Sonja, who was so gifted and original, and sometimes also "ahead of her time." On waking, I found out that Sonja had passed over into another world.
I strongly feel that where she is, is not that far away. As much as I continue to sense her presence, I also feel we can be with her in spirit, here and now, and continue the conversation.
I keep thinking a terminal illness is like a trans-oceanic plane trip. You're so glad when it's over, when you can walk the moving escalator, pass through customs, and meet friends and family in the brightly lit Arrivals hall. Sonja always had lots to declare, and I am sure this trip is no different -- it just feels more final because it hasn't happened before.
Am thinking of you, and I hope to be here for the memorial in October.
Love, Ann
Shloime Perel
August 7, 2009
Dear Geof,
I'm writing from L.A. and I can't believe it. I will collect my thoughts and write again how I cannot believe it.
Shloime
Mary Melfi
August 5, 2009
Dear Geof,
Hearing of Sonja's death was as shocking to me as when I heard of the terrible events that took place at the World Trade Center. Things like that don't happen -- skyscrapers don't get blown up and young women don't die. That's just how it is. How it is supposed to be! It is simply not fair that Sonja had such bad luck. She should now be in this world as she was years ago when I was lucky enough to call her a friend. Back then she had so much spirit and love for the arts. Her enthusiasm for the written word was unbelievable. She not only enjoyed her own obvious literary skills but she actually enjoyed her contemporaries' efforts. She was so generous with her praise. Those who had her support had a real earth angel at their side. Unfortunately, being a natural-born hermit, I didn't keep in touch with her (or with anyone else for that matter) so I lost the chance to know her, really know her. But the short time I did know her, I loved her. Of all the poets and artists I have met in the course of my life she was my favorite. She was unpretentious, and a joy to be with. A lovely woman all round! Most of all, I loved how you, Geof, loved her. Watching the two of you together was a real treat. Never in my life have I met a couple that was so suited for each other. Your obvious affection for each other was endearing and sweet. How much pain you now must be in I dare not imagine. I am so sorry that you and Sonja had to be a witness to the mighty power cancer can have. Sonja should have been given the chance to beat cancer -- stay alive for years and years and years to come. She should have had the opportunity to be an old woman. Her humor and wit would have enriched everyone who would have come in contact with her. What a sad ending to a beautiful life. Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely, Mary Melfi
Jeanette Paul
August 4, 2009
Sonja's quiet perseverance was an inspriation to the Montreal writing scene. She brought a rare level of excellence to her projects. The cover of Zymergy, for example, was a wee delight to behold. My condolences to her loved ones.
Pierre Frere
August 4, 2009
Colleen. My most sincere condoleances on the passing of your sister. Her suffering stopped, ours does not. Once again, my thoughts are with you in this time of loss.
Your friend, as always
Pierre
Julianne Oh
August 4, 2009
To all the Family:
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. Easier said than done, but it is good that she can now rest in His peaceful hands, and does not need to fight against her cancer anymore. But, for her family and friends it must be still very hard to accept and cope with.
I will pray more for you, and your sister's soul.
May the strength of God's friendship be with you,
Julianne
Beth Smeaton
August 3, 2009
To the Skarstedt family,
I remember Sonja as a classmate at Cartierville School - things were always happening around her and nothing could hold her back. She seemed almost larger than life to me - brave and so sure that she could do whatever it was she set her mind to do. I am so impressed by all she accomplished. My Mum remembers her fondly and over the years we have often spoken of Sonja. She has left you all much too soon. With deepest sympathy, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
J Pierre Brunet
August 3, 2009
To Frances and all of Sonja's family.
I'm so sorry for your loss of Sonja. I feel I knew her from my talks with Frances, and now I am even more impressed at her accomplishments. You must be very proud indeed af all she managed to do in a life that was way too short.
You and Sonja will be in my prayers each day.
Pierre
Aryeh Finklestein
August 3, 2009
Please accept deepest condolences on your irreparable loss. Sonja was both admired and loved by all who were privileged to enter her orbit. Like many, I know, I feel that I have lost a dear and loyal friend. Sonja was not only a talented and respected artist in a variety of media, she possessed a caring heart and a sensitive soul. In my Tradition we say, "Tehi nishmata b'roocha" - may her precious memory be for a blessing. Her life was an inspiration to us all, and she will be much missed.
Anne Cimon
August 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I remember how much joy and love Sonja had in her heart.She was special and unique and will not ever be forgotten.
Andrea Taylor
August 3, 2009
Dear Geof, Mr and Mrs. Skarstedt, and the members of Sonja's family -
I knew your beautiful Sonja all too briefly but thankfully her grace and eloquence touched my life. We have lost one of the world's most special souls. My deepest condolences to each of you as you try to deal with your tremendous loss.
My thoughts and sympathy are with you.
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