Sonja Ann "Swanson" Bemis

Sonja Ann Swanson Bemis, age 86, formerly of North East went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 25, 2025. She was born on April 24, 1939 in Warren, PA to the late Herman and Martha Mary Howard-Snyder Swanson.

Sonja was formerly employed by Lansmith Cherry & Fruit Company in Ripley, NY and Sunshine Packing in North East, PA. She was a member of Orchard Beach Assembly. She was a highly spirited woman who was very supportive of her family and deeply loved those who were close to her, loved to travel, thrift shopping and enjoyed her puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clifton F. Bemis, Jr. in 2020 (of 62 years); daughter Donna Hubler; son-in-law Richard Guckes; sister-in-law Joyce Thompson and siblings Sylvia Taylor, Peggy Monroe and Buster Swanson.

Sonja is survived by daughters; Nancy Sue Guckes of Harborcreek, Fern Ann Stiffler (Scott) of Wattsburg and Angelica Joy Morales (Kyle) of Erie; grandchildren Michele, Jennifer, Timothy, Heather, Joanne, Frances, Charles and Elizabeth; 23 great-grandchildren; brothers, Herman Swanson (d. Sylvia) of Washington, Ronald Swanson (d. Beverly) of Florida and John Patrick Swanson (d. Linda) of Missouri and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 1:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 5:00 pm. Officiating is Sonja's nephew James Thompson. Private burial at West Mina Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the NESCA, North East Stray Cat Alliance 8 E. Main Street, North East, PA 16428. Send condolences to elkinfh.com.