Sonja Brace

Sonja J. Brace, 88, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Born June 12, 1935, in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Hjalmar and Ingeborg (Hoglind) Carlson. Sonja married Harold F. Brace in 1969, sharing 51 years together. Graduate of Rockford East High School, class of 1953. Sonja was a legal secretary for Reno, Zahm, and Folgate Law Firm, a crossing guard for Maud Johnson School, and both a teacher and secretary at Barbara Olson Center of Hope where she retired.
Sonja's Swedish heritage was something she was very proud of and was a huge part of her life. She enjoyed teaching many children Swedish songs at the Vasa Swedish Lodge. Sonja was the Midsummer Queen for the Swedish Historical Society. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL, where she taught Sunday school for several years and sang in the choir. Sonja was a part of the Big Sisters program of Rockford, IL. She was a bat girl for the Rockford Peaches in 1953. Sonja recently participated in several events throughout the state line area for the Rockford Peaches organization.
Sonja loved her husband, Harold, dearly. She stood by his side and was his caregiver for the last several years of his life. Sonja would always put others before herself and found happiness in giving to others. She was always making sure family and close friends were remembered. Sonja had many accomplishments, but to her, being a mother and a grandmother were her highest honors. Her children and grandchildren were very special to her. Sonja enjoyed writing, watching her favorite TV shows, fast food, animals, pictures, music, gift giving, and spending time with family.
Survived by her daughter, Carla Brace-Mizner; brother, Arnold (Cathy) Carlson; stepdaughter, Valerie (Gary) Gunderson; grandchildren, Courtney (Andrew), Haley (Jared), Aron (Kelsey), Nick, Braden, Whitney, and Riley; many great-grandchildren, two step-granddaughters, a niece and a nephew; and special friend, Mary Patterson.
Sonja was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son, Bradley Brace; and parents, Hjalmar and Ingeborg Carlson.
Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the family. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit olsonfh.com .