Mary Sonja Baumgarth

Mary Sonja Baumgarth, known lovingly as Sonja, passed away peacefully at her home in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on October 1, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Detroit on December 28, 1942, to Melvin and Inez Anderson. She cherished her childhood memories at the Detroit Yacht Club, where she learned to sail, beginning a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of Michigan's lakes and the friendships formed along their shores. A proud graduate of Immaculata High School (Class of 1960) and the University of Michigan (Class of 1964), Sonja carried her love of learning into her career and her home life.

Sonja began her professional life as an elementary teacher, where her kind heart and thoughtful presence left a lasting impression on her students. Later, she managed her husband Ralph's dental practice, serving their community with the same warmth, organization, and care that defined every part of her life.

On December 17, 1965, Sonja married the love of her life, Dr. Ralph Baumgarth, at the very place that held so many fond memories, the Detroit Yacht Club. Together, they built a life rich with love, laughter, and family. After Ralph's passing in 2001, Sonja carried his memory with grace and gratitude, continuing to dedicate her life to their children and community.

She was a devoted mother to Matthew (Marianne) Baumgarth of Oregon City, Oregon, and Ryan (Dr. Courtney Lockhart) Baumgarth of Chicago, Illinois, and a proud grandmother to Daniel Ryan, Jonathan Nelson, and Lauren Christine. Her family was her greatest joy, her steady source of purpose and pride.

A woman of deep faith and generous spirit, Sonja was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Parish, where she volunteered tirelessly for the church, the Academy, and the Sacred Heart Academy Foundation. She also shared her time and talent with the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees and their lively production of the Mt. Pleasant Follies, bringing her signature creativity and enthusiasm to every endeavor.

Sonja lived a life filled with simple pleasures and joyful pursuits, downhill and cross-country skiing, golfing, and countless family gatherings. Her loyalty, compassion, and quiet strength were hallmarks of who she was, a woman whose love was steadfast and whose kindness reached far beyond her immediate circle.

Sonja was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph, her parents, Melvin and Inez Anderson, and her brother, Melvin Anderson.

A Funeral Mass for Sonja will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 8, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before Mass. Rite of Committal will be in Calvary Cemetery immediately following. All are invited to a meal at Bucks Run following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, honoring Sonja's lifelong commitment to faith, education, and community.