Sonjie G. Thomas

Sonjie Gretchen Thomas, 77 of Hudson, NH died peacefully in her sleep on the afternoon of 11/8/25 while in residence at the Grace House of Windham after a long and debilitating battle with Pick’s Disease, a form of dementia. She is survived by her husband Arthur (Tom) Thomas of Hudson, NH, children, Lola (JJ) Williams of Erie CO, Lani (Spencer) Webb of Issaquah WA, Gary (Mimi) Thomas of Hudson, NH and Darolyn (Dan) Spenard of Manchester NH, along with her grandchildren and great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her daughter Sherrie (Brian) Bussiere of Manchester, NH.

Sonjie grew up in NH as the only child of Stanislaus (Stan) Batura, her first true hero and protector. She loved her father fiercely. After running track and playing basketball for Alvirne High School and graduating from Castle Secretarial School. She met Arthur in the meatpacking line at 20th Century Supermarkets in Nashua, as a side job for extra money. Arthur fondly remembers her all wrapped up in a hat and coat due to the cold working conditions.

Sonjie proudly retold their love story many times over the years, always sharing that she knew he'd be the man she'd marry. At age 25, her wish came true and she married Arthur, becoming a blended family with his three wonderful children. They eventually settled into a home next to her father, Stan and step-mother, Mary. There, they raised their two daughters, Lani and Lola.

A problem solver to the core, a devoted friend and loyal and loving wife and mother, she worked for the school district of NH, first in the office and then in the classroom as a paraprofessional. She absolutely adored children and loved being in the classroom. Working for the schools made sure she was also available to her kids as they were growing up so she could share her love of nature, learning, and great music. Sonjie had an infectious and beautiful laugh, was always ready with a warm smile, a hug and a cup of tea or coffee, and had an endlessly giving heart.

In 1995, Art, Sonjie, and the two younger girls relocated to Hawaii to fulfill Arthur’s dream of returning to his homeland of ocean and sunshine. Sonjie loved Hawaii very much and the music and spirit of Aloha were of great significance to her. They lived happily on the island of Maui for 18 years where Sonjie continued to work in the local preschool, coming home with endless photos and stories of the precious keiki (children) in her classes. They returned back to NH in 2014 when signs of Sonjie’s decline were more obvious and having family nearby was becoming more important.

Until the end, Arthur would visit Sonjie multiple times a week to have lunch with her, sit with her playing her favorite tunes, and express his love for her. This year was their 52nd year of marriage.

While we lost Sonjie to her disease much earlier than her body left our presence, her spirit, her bravery and tenacity, her love of birds, nature and children, and her beautiful loving heart stayed true until the very end. And while she lost her voice, she never lost recognition of those she loved.

The family wishes to thank Grace House of Windham for their exceptional care and love throughout the eight years Sonjie was in residence, and Gary and Mimi Thomas for their tireless support in many ways.

SERVICES:  A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring time 2026. All family and friends will be notified.