Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Sonya Mitchell Obituary
Wife, mom, and servant to God passed away recently at the calling of the Holy Spirit. She is needed now to teach and care for those in Heaven. Sonya and James Mitchell, orphans from Indiana's Soldiers and Sailors Home, moved here in 1951. Sonya devoted her life to her children and wanted to share her devotion of serving God to teaching in the Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended Phoenix Community College and Arizona State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude attaining a Master's in Education Psychology and Early Elementary Education. She began teaching in 1968, and after retiring, continued as a volunteer teacher until December, 2007. Sonya's faith and devotion was also shared in her many years of singing in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Phoenix and the Phoenix Chorale for which she sang for Pope John Paul II, in Tempe, Arizona, during his 1987 visit. She has touched the lives of many children and friends and was a living example of what Jesus Christ meant to this world. She is survived by her husband, James, of 55 years, children George, (Wenjie) Deborah Mitchell, Brent (Beverly), John (Ana), and Jennifer Green and grandchildren Ty, Marty, Jeff, Janice, Jenny, Christina, Charlie, Andrew, Kevin, Katie, Jason, Laurel, and six great-grandchildren. She was a true modern day angel and the heavens will rejoice with her addition. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2008 from 6 to 8 pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ with a Rosary at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, at 11 am at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church 9728 W Palmeras Lane., Sun City, AZ. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sonya Mitchell
Janice Jasinski
February 13, 2025
I miss you and love you so much Grandma. You are the best. Hope you and Grandpa are up there enjoying eachother and your favorite shows. I hope I get to see you both again. You were always there for me, I miss stealing your blankets, locking grandpa out of his truck, swimming in the pool, falling asleep in your lap even at 30... your the BEST. I MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH! THANK YOU LORD FOR GIVING ME SUCH A WONDERFUL GRANDMA. LOVE YOU!!! Come visit me in my dreams soon okay LOVE you Grandma
Mitchell Family
November 6, 2008
Mother, I raise a glass of my favorite single malt in your memory. One shall know Sonya will be missed by her many friends. Mum will be lovingly remembered for the patience and joy she had for helping and enriching the lives of others. She was a teacher and mentor to all, no child whom she touched especially special education, may they be average, gifted, but more importantly otherwise, were touched by her ability to overcome their difficulties with learning. She never received the Sliver Apple Award or the Best Teacher of the Year Award, but deserved both. Sonya, retired in 1991, but taught complimentary until last year for Washington School District, even with the past years being difficult she showed for class with Mrs. Baci as scheduled. She taught with Mac Romley and Cheryl Myers for several years. Intrinsic as it may be, you educated your children with the most important lesson of life, Family, “famiglia è tutto, capite”. Nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds dear, fond memories linger every day; with our memoirs keeping you near. One may say, God is love, Love is forever. George
Susan Warren
October 9, 2008
Mrs. Mitchell was a wonderful teacher, and I am grateful that my daughter was in her first grade class at Manzanita nearly twenty years ago.
May her family find peace at this difficult time, yet experience great joy in knowing the impact she had on her students.
ty tyrrell
October 9, 2008
Grandma had the greatest compassion for teaching, her Catholic faith, and her family. I have never known a better person in my 34 yrs. God surely made this woman unique and with great care. She was and will always be my safe haven and I miss her a great deal more than words can express. She spent her whole life following Jesus and now she has the utmost honor of being with Him in Heaven. I love you grandma and see you soon.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Frank/Aida Lopez and Family
October 9, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
Kathy Wilson
October 8, 2008
Uncle Jim, George, Debbie, Brent, John & Jennifer.
Even though I couldn't make it down for the services, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Losing a parent is one of the most difficult things to go through. I wish you peace and comfort in your memories.
Love Kathy Jo
Jessica Lopez
October 8, 2008
John and family,
Rene and I are thinking of you in our prayers and know that your mom is at peace.
Love,
Lynn Lindell
October 8, 2008
Jim and family,
We extend our sincere sympathy to you and all of your extended family. May you find comfort in knowing that Sonya is now truly at rest and she sings with the angels!
God Bless you and give you His peace,
Lynn & Jim Lindell and family
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Sonya Mitchell's name
Memorial Events
for Sonya Mitchell
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Chapel - Peoria6830 W Thunderbird Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381
People and places connected with Sonya
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Sonya's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Sonya Mitchell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
