Sonia Encinas

1940 - 2025

Sonia Encinas

Sonia Encinas, the daughter of the late Alcott and Elodia Encinas, departed this world peacefully, on September 10, surrounded by her family, (sharing) a lifetime of memories. She was born and raised in the 1940s, Old Town Porterville. She made her entrance at the home of her parents on Pioneer Street.

Sonia began her education at St. Anne's School and continued on to Porterville High School, graduating in the class of 1958. She went to Porterville JC before embarking to the "City by the Bay" to earn her BA and teaching credentials at (San Francisco State University) in 1966. She was moved by a speech given by Senator John F. Kennedy at the Cow Palace in 1960 concerning a new government program called the Peace Corps. She was determined to join upon completion of her college education.

When she did join the Peace Corps, she had three months of training as a "Health Educator" and served her country for two years in the State of Alagoas, Brazil. At the time, this was one of the most impoverished areas in the world with the highest infant mortality rate in the free world. She lived in a neighborhood of thatch roofed shanties with dirt floors. Her duties were divided between a clinic, in a suburban slum, and a boys town, known as "Juvenopolis." At the clinic, she was expected to perform jobs reserved for nurses in the US. She gave vaccinations, dressed wounds, and distributed medicines. At "Juvenopolis" she taught English and Math and coached Soccer.

Once she returned home to Porterville, she was recruited by Bill Bourne, the Principal of the American School in Curitiba, Brazil, to teach Fourth Grade. After her four years in Curitiba, speaking Portuguese, she moved on to the Spanish speaking, bustling City of Guayaquil, Ecuador to teach once again. In 1972 she returned to her roots (in Porterville) and was interviewed for a job with the Porterville School District.

Sonia was dedicated to her students, and having come from an athletic minded family, she recognized the importance of sports in the curriculum. She would pack her athletes in her Cadillac and transport them to their games insuring that everyone had the opportunity to participate. She retired in 2002 after dedicating 30 years of her life to her Porterville students.

Upon her retirement, her total dedication was recognized with a beautiful plaque that read, "Thank You For Making Our Children Number 1. Your Years At Olive Street School Are Appreciated And Will Never Be Forgotten." It was Signed, "Olive Street Staff And Students."

She had also been was awarded an earlier plaque in 2024 by the Association of Mexican American Educators, as a "Founding Member of the Porterville Chapter," In 2025 she was recognized, at a state wide level, by the Association of Mexican American Educators with the 2024 "El Fuego Nuevo" Award. It was stated that, "This Award is a testament to your dedication, hard work and exceptional determination to help the Hispanic students. Your commitment has inspired and motivated those around you. You have set a remarkable example for all of us to aspire to."

One of her fervent passions was traveling. After serving her country, in the Peace Corps She and her Peace Corps associate traveled throughout all of South and Central Americas. Later on, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, China, and the USA.

Sonia is survived by two brothers, Matthew Encinas of Costa Mesa, Jess Encinas of Pauma Valley; and sister, Marianne Stone, also of Pauma Valley. She also leaves behind the joys of her life: eight nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.

A Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, CA on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Rosary will be held at Myers Chapel in Porterville, CA on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne's Church in Porterville, CA on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Anne's Cemetery in Porterville, CA.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.