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Sonya Kieran Obituary

Sonya Shafer Kieran 1925 to March 13, 2011, resident of Moraga. Born in Oakland, California, Sonya was the oldest of the three daughters (Sonya, Helene, and Sue) of Thomas Guy and Theo Grisham Shafer. She attended Crocker Highlands Elementary School and the Anna Head School in Berkeley. She went on to graduate from Stanford University in 1947. That year she married William James Mansfield with whom she had four children, Guy, Gary, Kathy, and Cris Mansfield. In 1972 she married Dr. James Kieran and they moved to Moraga. Sonya dedicated her life to her family. She was the loving wife of James for 38 years. She is survived by her husband, her four children, her five step-children, ten step-grandchildren and her eight step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Helene Loomis and her dear friend Mele Akoteu. A memorial reception is planned at a later date for family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to your favorite charity. "The light of a candle, is transferred to another candle."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Sonya Kieran

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4 Entries

Ron Crall

January 6, 2012

Dr Kieran,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I have vivid memories of hitching rides with you to Woodside so we could both be with great friends. Good to hear that you had so many years together. She was a wonderful lady.

Regards,

March 23, 2011

Dr. Kieran,

I was so sorry to hear of Sonya's death. I remember how fondly you spoke of her when we worked together at Merritt Hospital. I think of you often and will keep you in my prayers. You'll get through this with the same grace you got through other adversities of your life.

Love
Nancy Christman

Kalesita Matangi

March 17, 2011

We love you Sonya & may you Rest in Peace!

James Lowrie

March 17, 2011

The Lowrie family joins yours in mourning the death of Sonya Shafer Kiernan, a great lady who lived a wonderful life. Our prayers have been with you since reading of the recent passing of her sister, Sue Stenstrom, and will continue as you suffer yet another loss of one so dear to you. Our wife and mother, Barbara West Lowrie, also born in Oakland, in 1925, was a lifelong friend of Sonya's and always held her so dear in her heart, although this past decade it had been difficult for them to communicate. Having lost Barbara, almost two years ago now, we can appreciate your sorrow. Knowing they are always with us in spirit and alive in our hearts and actions is the best way to cope, although never seems to make up for their absence from our daily lives. May the days ahead be ones of remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.
Our sincerest condolences, James Lowrie and family: Jim, Tina, Carter, Mikkel, Bill and Peter.

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