Sonja Maria Stefaniw

Sonja Maria Stefaniw
September 9, 1957 - July 26, 2023
Sonja was born in Algoma, WI, to Roman and Rosa Maria Stefaniw, post-war immigrants to this country. She grew up in Kewaunee, WI, graduated from the University of Wisconsin (Green Bay), and worked as an au pair in Germany, using that opportunity to perfect her German and to travel extensively in Europe.
After returning to the US, she used her managerial skills in diverse fields of employment: criminal justice, medical office manager, City of Austin employee. In all these jobs, she demonstrated her intelligence and ability to make significant improvements in operations. What gave her particular satisfaction when working for the City of Austin was her ability to initiate programs to improve the health of city employees and to strengthen the role of women in the workforce as well as her ability to mentor men and women to their goals.
Animals had a very special place in her heart. Her yard is recognized as a National Wildlife Sanctuary. Being considered a "Crazy Cat Lady" was an honor. For many years she fed, neutered, and oftentimes found new homes for feral cats living in downtown Austin. She was involved with Austin Wildlife Rescue as well as other organizations benefiting even non-felines.
Her personal strength was especially displayed in the years since February 2020, when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer. That she was a "fighter" was shown by her willingness to undergo recommended treatments and by her success in becoming an "outlier", surviving longer than most with this form of cancer. It was during this time that she worked for the YMCA, serving as an inspiration for staff and members alike.
Sonja was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her partner, Shantel Coffey, and by her siblings: Anneliese (Larry) Ferreri, Roman (Janice) Stefaniw, Rosemarie (George) Gottlieb. Heartfelt appreciation is extended from her family to all those who were part of her cancer journey -- providing transportation for medical visits, emotional support, loving care, or prayers.
Donations in Sonja's memory may be made to Glioblastoma Research or to Austin Wildlife Rescue.