Sonya A. Baird

Sonya Alyse Baird (Collazo), age 76, of Stockton, California passed away on November 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, family and a successful career.

Sonya was born on November 12, 1949, in Queens, New York to Angel Miguel Collazo and Lucy Acosta Collazo. She graduated from Hueneme High School in 1967. Later in her life she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

Sonya had a distinguished career that spanned several departments within the United States Federal Government. She most recently worked for the U.S Geological Survey, earning respect for her dedication, expertise and leadership. She advanced quickly and reached the rank of GS-13 before retiring in 2012. In her younger years, Sonya joined her husband, Michael Baird Sr., on his overseas deployments with the United States Navy. She found career success wherever her husband was deployed. From 1970 to 1972, Sonya worked for a U.S. Naval Base Commander in The Philippines. And from 1972 to 1974 she had another respectable job in Sicily. Her successes overseas and throughout her career speaks to her high intelligence and unwavering work ethic.

Sonya was a devoted wife to Michael Baird Sr. for 55 years and a loving mother to Michael Baird Jr. and his wife Maria and Julie Briano and her husband Juan. She was a proud grandmother to Lauren Myers, Andrew Rodriguez, Michael D. Baird, Matthew Baird and Mikaela Baird. She is survived by her siblings Deede Hernandez, Angela Romanello, Lydia Hense, and Michael Collazo. Sonya's other close family include her brother-in-law, Patrick Baird and his wife Linda Baird. Also, her brother-in-law, Chuck Baird and his wife Cathi Baird.

Sonya was known for her loving, determined, strong and generous personality. Her greatest joy came from her family. She was overjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, making herself available any time she needed them during their busy lives. She was always there for her family and never wavered. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

May she rest in peace.

Fry Memorial Chapel, 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy is honored to serve the Baird Family. Services will be held in the chapel beginning on Thursday, December 4, 2025; visitation from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and resuming Friday, December 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest immediately following ta Valpico Memorial Park, Tracy, CA. Chapel services will be live streamed via her tribute page at www.frymemorialchapel.com an online guest book is also available for condolences and special messages to the family.