Sonja Francine Kramers
July 20, 1968 ~ April 26, 2008
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Sonja Francine Kramers, 39, of Arden, died unexpectedly Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Sonja was born in Asheville and was a daughter of the late Loek Kramers. She was a graduate of T.C. Roberson High School and of UNC-Chapel Hill, where she was a member of Phi Mu Sorority.
Sonja owned Happy Tails Country Club on Cane Creek Road and she was a member of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, which recently nominated her as a candidate for the Chamber's Athena Award (female business person of the year). She was a member of Grace Community Church where she was active with Young Life.
Surviving Sonja are her mother, Susie S. Kramers-Bondy and her husband, Jack Bondy of Fletcher; one brother, Dominic CodyKramers and his wife, Dayna, of Seattle, WA; her dear friend and companion, Jamie Burr; her six step-siblings, Lee and Jo Ann Bondy, Kathleen and Dave Lux, Patty and Karl Kemm, Debbie Maddox, Larry and Vickie Bondy and Johnette and Greg Burress. She is also survived by the loves of her life, her dogs, Maggie and Mollie.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Dean Cesa at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Barnabas Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery.
A second celebration of her life is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Sunday at her business, Happy Tails Country Club on Cane Creek Road.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sonja Kramers Fund to benefit Young Life, c/o Matt Sloan, 199-A Elkwood Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting with the arrangements.
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Sonja was always a great friend to me, and I will certainly miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this time. May God’s loving comfort grant you peace.
I lived in Sonja’s neighborhood when she was growing up. She was such a sweet, friendly child, who was a good friend of my daughter, Anne. In fact the entire Kramers family was warm and friendly.
God Oh God how can we see or understand you plans ?
But accept we must and believe that Sonja returned to You and perhaps feels sorry for seeing us in miserable pain.And we don’t want that,we want Sonjha to be happy, smiling as always.
So fare well little lady and know
we all love You very much.
My thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends.
T.C.Roberson 86
Dear Suzie, and Dominic,
I thank God for Sonja and for the times we had together. It wasn’t alot of time, but it was enough to convict me. Sonja had a truly joyful spirit. I can still hear her laughter. I know that I am nothing, and that my words are meaningless if they are not from God, for only HE knows the heart of every man. So I prayed for HIS words, and when I opened my Bible, it fell open to Jonah 2: Jonah’s Prayer.
‘From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said:
‘In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath me barred me in forever. But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God. ‘When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. ‘Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’
And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
My heart is with you, and my prayer is for God to comfort you. We must go to GOD with all of our pain, for only He can truly comfort us. I love you very much, and will not stop praying for you.
Love,
Monica
Sonja has been the sunshine of HTCC and all her workers and the clients she has accomodated in her 2 years HTCC has been around. She is gonna be truely missed by everyone including all of the 4-legged friends of HTCC and beyond. Our Deepest Sympathy goes to all her Family, Friends and the Workers and Clients @ HTCC. She will be Greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences.
Sonja taught me how to love, how to laugh and most important, how to have hope. She left me and my family truly heartbroken. How we will miss you and your wicked laugh. Deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to her family and all those left behind who will mourn this extraordinary human being.
Quiero transmitir mis más profundas condolencias por la pérdida de nuestra compañera y amiga Sonja. Que Dios la acoja en su seno.
Tu compañero de TCR, Aris
I never had the chance to meet her, but it’s easy to tell she was loved by many and will be missed. So sorry she had to leave so soon. Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends!
Sonja was my friend and counterpart at Abbott Labs until she left to follow her dreams. She was a vivacious, positive, caring, courageous, spiritual woman who lit up any room she walked into with her zest for life and positive energy that was inspirational and infectious. She is going to be remembered that way always, and be so very missed by all those who knew her. My brain still has trouble accepting that this tragedy occurred. It just does not make any sense to me as it is not the natural order of the world, and she was too good of a person to be taken so soon. My heart and prayers go out to her grieving family and her other friends. If we can all strive to live a life like Sonja did, being grateful for all of our blessings every day, I believe Sonja will smile down at us all from Heaven.
Sonja was an incredible woman. We left our puppy, Winston, at Happy Tails for the first time ever and she was so patient with my worries and with my long distance phone calls. And she continues to minister to my kids by giving them the opportunity to work at Happy Tails to make money for Young Life camp. Their camp experience will be a memorial to Sonja, as well! Thank you, Sonja, for all you contributed to the life of our family!
Sonja was a blessing to those of us who had the fortunate of crossing paths with her. Her infectious smile, her positive attitude, her compassionate spirit will all be missed, but certainly remembered. We pray God will bring you peace and healing during this time of mourning.
Sonja was one of the happiest people I’ve met in a long time. Truly a woman living her dream with passion and grace. I smile fondly remembering touring HTCC with her in the golf cart simply because ‘all country clubs have to have a golf cart’. It is rare to find really generous people in the world today, I will always be thankful that I met her and got to spend a wonderful morning with her and her beloved dogs. Many prayers to her family and all those who knew her.
my god hold you up in this time the brissey family friends of lori sluder.
Almost two years ago my son, Jamie, told me he had met a beautiful girl. I’m sure it will not surprise anyone to know they met through Jamie’s adopted dog! In those two years, I watched this beautiful young woman make my son smile, laugh, and be the happiest he has ever been. He lived for Sonja, and loved her deeply. God sends us angels, and we were blessed to have had our angel, Sonja, in our lives. We will miss her so much! God bless Sonja’s wonderful family and friends. We love you, and always will.
Visits to Asheville will never be the same without seeing Sonja. I still hear her laughter and see her smile. Sonja was an amazing woman in so many ways. You will always be in our hearts. We love you Sonja!
I will always remember Sonja’s thoughtful, soul searching questions during our Bible Study together on Fridays. Even though she had her own business, she most often made arrangements at work so she could attend the Bible studies. She was always so bubbly, energetic and enthusiastic. I was in shock when I heard of her untimely death, but know she is rejoicing in heaven. I will deeply miss her warmth and her smile.
Sonja was one of my favorite people at UNC. In fact, I took her to my fraternity formal her Sr. year and we had a fantastic weekend. Everybody, I mean everybody, who knew her really liked her. I hope that my daughter grows up to be a little more Sonja-ish (1000 characters, are you serious? We could all go on and on…! 🙂
I can hardly comprehend the loss of such a wonderful woman, so full of laughter and love. She will be sorely missed by all her friends, two-legged and especially four-legged. Her legacy to me is the message to follow the dreams of one’s heart. She clearly lived her dreams. Godspeed to her sweet soul and God’s blessings on all of us who mourn her and celebrate her life.
What a sweet and special person Sonja was. When I think of her, I always think about how happy she was each time I saw her. Always smiling. My heart goes out to her loved ones, friends, and family.
Sonja was a member of the Friday morning Bible Study I tried so hard to get to but due to great challenges in my own life, I was rarely was able to attend. I remember the day she announced the start of her new business and asked the group to pray for its success. Sonja was a stand-out-from-the-crowd person. She lived what she professed. I will always be grateful for her prayers for me, even in the last month when my mother was dying, I know she was praying for me and I am so humbled by this. Perhaps the Lord has now introduced them. We may weap, but they have met Jesus and their joy is full! May God comfort all those who grieve for her.
Carol Collins
My heart is broken when I think of the loss Sonja’s family is feeling. I had the great privilege of being one of the educators in Sonja’s life. She was a ray of sunshine and special student in all ways. My love to her family.
We are shocked and saddened by the loss of this passionate, energetic woman. Joy seemed to accompany Sonja in all her endeavors, and that was certainly true of her sparkling presence at so many of our Asheville Humane Society events in the past 2 years. We loved her passion, not only for her own animals, but for all animals. We are grateful to have known her and we will miss her. We send our love and support to her family and to the staff of HTCC.
We are all blessed to have known such a smart, shining star. Since meeting Sonja in the second grade at Glen Arden, I’ve been inspired by her faith and her joy. She will be truly missed and my heart goes out to her dear family.
Sonya has touched so many lives, that chain she created will live a long time we have lossed a precious soul but have gained another angel to look over our shoulders she will be missed but she lives inside all of us now.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Kramers family and to Jamie. It was wonderful to see Jamie’s eyes light up when he looked at Sonja or spoke of her. She will be forever in our hearts.
We are all so shocked and saddened with the loss of such a wonderful and caring person. Sonja was a great supporter of our local animal rescue efforts. I am glad to have called her my friend. She will be dearly missed.
Sonja and I met during my work as a physician for the Sister’s of Mercy Urgent Care Centers. The minute she walked in to detail me about her pharmaceutical products, I knew we’d become friends…that was 6 years ago. Some people are meant to come into your life…Sonja was one of those people! She was truly an ‘angel on earth’. She devoted countless hours to the teens in Young Life and loved every minute. She was a true and devoted friend and I feel blessed to have known her. We hadn’t seen each other for some time but were fortunate enough to share one last lunch together the Thursday prior to her death….what a gift!! Sonja, you are a light to all who knew you and we look forward to meeting up with you again. You will be missed…..
I’m so sorry for your loss. Those of us who knew Sonja, however briefly, can all consider ourselves fortunate.
Jerry Salley, TCR class of ’86
I had the pleasure of knowing Sonja only a short period of time at my Pilates studio but what what a great humanbeing. I am sure she is going to continue Pilates with all the rest of the angels.
Sonja became my sister 13 years ago when my father was blessed in marriage to Susie Kramers, Sonja’s mother. From the moment I met Sonja she became my sister in every way that is important. I can’t yet even imagine living without her laughter, her hugs, her humor, her unfailing optimism and the way she cared for everyone she knew. Sonja lit up the room when she walked in and my life has dimmed with her passing. Sonja, I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.
My sister Sonja was what I call Funshine. Full of Life, warm and bright as the sun. We will all miss you greatly sweetness, but we also know that heaven is much brighter now that you are there with your smile and beauty.
We are very sorry to hear of Sonja’s passing. We are new to the area. We needed to return to CT. due to illness of our mother in Feb. and again in March for her passing. Sonja was very nice to us and our beagles. We are sad, but glad that she didn’t suffer. We are praying for her family and friends.
In high school, Sonja was so incredibly thoughtful and compassionate. She always had time to listen and to be a friend. She was full of energy and had a smile that truly brightened your day. Being around her was a blessing and everyone who knew her could attest to this. She was a wonderful person in every way. I am so very very sorry for your loss.
Catherine Nash Gay
TCR ’85
On behalf of Blaze-N-Skyy Pet Boutique & Wellness Center, we would like to extend our condolences to Sonja Kramer’s family. Her passing will be a real loss for all of us who knew her. She was a wonderful friend and a special person with a special love of life and animals. We love you, Sonja.
I met Sonja when she was a very little girl and her parents were still living in Biltmore Garden Apartments. Her father, Loek, sang in the choir at St. Lawrence with my father and I’ve always remembered his wonderful, jaunty ways. I’m picturing him now proudly strolling the streets of heaven, swinging his umbrella with his beautiful daughter on his arm, so happy that she has joined him at last. They are both looking down at Susie, Dominic and all the family saying ‘we know you miss us terribly, but we’re alright. We won’t forget you. We love you.’
My love to Susie and Jack, Dominic, Mary and Tom, Andy and Susie and all the Zichy and Szechenyi family members I have known so long.
The first time I met Sonja, the sparkle in her eyes and glow in her smile told me that my nephew Jamie had met his Angel. I’m sure GOD needed her for something only she could do.She will be missed by too many to count. Love Aunt TWYNKLE
My heartfelt condolences to family and friends of Sonja’s. She’s was a blessing to everyone who met her, who encountered her beautiful personality. She was truly self-less and blessed my family in many ways. Sonja is joyfully with our Creator now!
The last time I saw Sonja was at the family reunion in 2005. I hadn’t seen her in many years, and I was very happy to see she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. What I remember most about her was her smile, which could light up a room. Even her name always reminded me of sunshine. Even though we will all miss her dearly, I am consoled by the thought that she is now shining down on us from Heaven, with the Heavenly Father and her earthly father, Luke, by her side. Sonja, I love you and will miss you.
Love,
Your cousin Andrea
I only had one chance to meet this beautiful person in 2007. My nephew Jamie brought her to a family wedding. He was so proud to have her beside him and we all knew why after meeting her. The charm and beauty and the tenderness in her voice. I’m so sorry for the loss of this special person that did so much for everyone. Heaven will be having a Homecoming that we can’t even imagine. Aunt Janice
Sonja was like a sister to me when I was growing up. Same as to my two sisters as well. I don’t know what to say, really. I loved her very much. And now I love the memory of her and always always will. She will be deeply missed in my family. We are all heart-broken.
It is just such a shock, seems like I was just there picking up my dogs, who loved HTCC very much, and making some plans for next new years eve!
Even though I only knew you for about 10 months, through my relationship with Mandy, it seems like so much longer.
The way you opened up your home, your life and your heart to me, welcomed me, and treated me like part of the family, is not something I’ll ever forget.
You will always be in my thoughts and I will miss you very much.
I have been volunteering at HTCC for almost 2 years now and as of April 9th I was old enough to work there and get payed. Sonja was always so sweet to me and all of the staff and has become more than just a boss, she has become a beloved friend. When I think of Sonja, I think of happiness, and joy and love. I never saw her without a smile on her face. I remember her as Rachel Looney’s Maid of Honor, walking down the isle last June. I remember the HTCC staff party at her house and her homeade chili, opening silly gifts in a game of White Elephant. I remember her cutting the cake at the HTCC 2nd year anniversary party and mentioning my name in the speech she had given about the past 2 years. And I remember hugging her, and walking away from that celebration, not realizing that that was the last time I could tell her thank-you for the opportunity she gave me and that I loved her as a true friend. She will truly be missed at both HTCC and at my household.
I can not believe this has happened. Sonja was such a sweet and lovely person and from reading all of the heartfelt thoughts, I know that this is shared by many other people. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends, who like me are devastated at this news. I do not know why God brought her to Heaven so early, but I’m certain He has a good reason. If I can do ANYTHING to help, please let me know. My phone number:
(828-337-3935)
Sincerely,
Sam R. Leeper
As Sonja’s step sister, I can only say that we’ve met just a few times but each time, my thoughts were ‘how pretty she is’ and ‘what a beautiful smile’ Our best memory was just before she opened ‘Happy Tails’ and Karl made her a video of the place with her dogs running all over the property just as happy as they could be, and she was so excited. It was a beautiful time to meet her and see her dream in progress. We loved being there with the family and sharing that time with her. We love you Daddy and Susie and our prayers are with you and all of her family and friends. From our hearts to your hearts, we are with you. Love, Patty and Karl
I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH JAMIE, EMILY, AND CECELIA BURR FOR MANY YEARS. IT WAS THROUGH THEM THAT I HAD THE BLESSING OF MEETING AND GETTING TO KNOW SONJA!! SHE WAS A DEAR FRIEND FROM THE FIRST MOMENT WE MET. I KNOW HOW HAPPY SHE MADE JAMIE, AND I LOVED TO SEE THEM TOGETHER. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL OF US. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. IF THERE IS ANYTHING MY HUSBAND TIM AND I CAN DO, PLEASE CALL (704) 478-6557 ME AND I WILL BE GLAD TO HELP!!!
I am deeply saddened to hear of Sonja’s passing. She was such a sweet, joyful person, and I know she will be dearly missed. My heartfelt sympathies to her friends and family. Dominic and Susie, you are in my prayers. May God give you peace.
Laurie Israel Smith
TCR ’84
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all who loved & knew Sonja. It was obvious that Grandpa Jack & Grandma Susie were very proud of her. We pray that our love & the love of others will give you strength at this painfully devastating time. We love you. Mark, Barbara, Riley, Charlie & Timothy Back
To family and friends of our little sweet Sonja. I rmemember Sonja so much as being one of Tina’s and Beth’s best friends. She would spend the night with Tina and go to the beach with our family. She was so full of life, and was a blessing to everyone!We will all miss her so much,but she is now in heaven and God has one more sweet angel loving her new home.Love and blessings to you all. Bill Waddell (Tina’s dad)
I sit here speechless in how to express the amount of grief and sadness I feel in signing a guest book for Sonja’s death. She is the one who would usually help all of us work through such a tragedy. Sonja was such a true friend who would be there for you in a moments notice. I have shared many many days with Sonja through high school filled with laughter, love, songs and many many memories. I am so thankful she was a part of my life. She was one of the most cheerful and positive people I have ever known. She truly loved the Lord and was such a great witness of His love to so many people. I have learned a lot from her. I will always hold dear all the times we had together. Susie and Dominic, I send you my love and my prayers as you are grieving. I look forward to seeing Sonja’s smile and hearing her laugh again one day.
I am sister to Pat Burr and Robert Burr is my brother-in law. The Burrs have been my family for 40+ years. I knew Jamie and Sam, and Emily for ever too. They are my neice and nephew. I am a police officer and Emily is the one that keeps us all in order, If it wasnt for her we would be in sad shape. I am so sorry to hear of your lost. It hurts so much. I lost my husband 3 years ago to Non-Hodgkins Lyphomy. But hold on to your faith and God will give you the strength. Jamie was so happy with Sonja I know they were soulmate. I love you Jamie and if you ever need to talk please call me anytime God Bless you all Love in Christ Susan Psomadakis
you will be missed. We spent a special time in our lives together.
Sonja was a shining star that brightened everybody’s day. Whenever I was down she knew exactly what to say to turn my sorrow into joy. She was an angel here on earth and now in heaven. Her love for the Lord was contagious and uplifting. I will miss her tremendously. My love and prayers go to Susie and Dominic. God bless to you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. I was Sonja’s financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. I will miss her, she was a special lady. May God Bless your family during this difficult time.
Susie & Jack,
Sonja was a beautiful woman, inside & out, just like her Mother. I remember her kind voice. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
How do you say good bye to someone you’ve known your whole life? Every time I think of Sonja I see her smile and hear her laugh. It still sounds like it did when we were 10. Her heart was pure and her light was bright. She has left behind a thousand moments that will live forever in my heart. I am a richer person for having known her and I will remember her always. All my love to Susie, Dominic, Jamie, & the rest of the family.
Laura Boettcher Guarracino
TC Roberson class of ’86
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Sonja’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Susie, Jack, Dominic and all the rest of our family and loved ones who knew Sonja.
When someone brightens a room, the way Sonja did, with just the power of her smile – the whole room is blessed. And this was just the very first impression Sonja left along her path. Once she began to talk to you, when she opened up to communicate, you knew she was 100% authentically kind. She was a loving soul, very much like Susie.
Thank you Susie, for who you are and the kind of mother and friend you were to Sonja. Sonja knew how to make the connection from heart to heart, the way you do.
We all felt good around Sonja, we felt loved, we felt like we were interesting people, fun to be with. She had the gift of warming up to people and warming them up in return. As the song admonishes, she did not hide it under a bushel. She let it shine.
Lee and I both can understand why Sonja chose the dog business. Dogs, when cared for, give back the most pure and accepting love imaginable. They do their best to emit joy and unconditional love, loyalty and enthusiasm, and they always express their devotion and gratitude for the simple pleasure of being with you. These are all ways to descibe Sonja and the way she chose to live, the kind of world she wanted to bring to those around her. Her unspoken motto: It is safe here, we will take loving care of everyone in our charge, and we will be happy to do all this for you, it will be our pleasure.
There was a wise person who said once, ‘How you do anything is how you do everything.’
Sonja’s life expressed it all.
We love you all and look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
JoAnne and Lee Bondy
To Jamie,
I am so sorry I did not mention you before. I am overwhelmed by your loss and the grief you are experiencing. I will be praying for comfort and that you will be constantly reminded of the enormous love Sonja had for you.
Tina Herndon
Class of 1986
We are very sorry for your loss. You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
We are all saddened by the loss of Sonja. Always know, that earth has no sorrows; that heaven cannot heal. May God keep you close during your time of sorrow. She will be missed, and always remembered by the Class of 86′.
I admire Sonja for following her dreams. She was a very vibrant person and will be missed by so many people and pets.
Class of ’86 TCR
As we grieve such a great loss and wrestle to make sense of this, I know you’re dancing up in heaven, Sonj! Walk the streets of gold until we join you, My Dear Sweet Friend!
Sonja was a true light for us all. Whenever one needed a lift, there was her beautiful smile that we could use to brighten our day.
To the Kramer family:
Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give all of you the strength to get through the difficult days ahead.
May God bless you all.
Charles Koontz
We were so saddened to hear of Sonja’s passing. We only met her once at Happy Tails when we dropped our puppy off for his first week away from us. Sonja made over Cocoa hugging and kissing him and made us feel so good. We knew she would be sure to care for him well. Her beautiful smile was contagious. We will all miss her and the beautiful things she did for animals and their owners.
I’ve had the honor of knowing Sonja for the past 5 years, both as a friend and an employee at Happy Tails. Sonja’s genuine love for Christ set her apart in a crowd, as anyone who met her knows. Her commitment and passion for all of God’s creatures, both two legged and four, was evident in her involvement in Young Life as well as her establishment of Happy Tails. She has made a profound impact on my life, and she will be greatly missed.
Mother Theresa once said, ‘Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.’ Sonja’s kind words have resonated around the world, and the echo of those words is evidenced by everyone who has left a tribute to Sonja. She truly touched my heart. Love to all of you……
Sonja was one of the most genuine people we have ever known. She was always positive and happy, a joy to be around. She was a giver.
We remember her laugh and smile, her sparkling eyes, her gift of friendship, her caring ways, her determination to make her dreams come true, her love of animals and her love of life. But most important of all, we remember her love for Christ and ability to share His message with others.
We will miss her sadly and are thankful for our memories we shared.
Our thoughts and prayers to all her family and friends. We know that God needed her more in heaven, as her work on Earth was done. We can only try to be more like Sonja and hope we touch lives like she touched ours.
God bless, Chris and Debbie Johnson
I have very fond memories of growing up with Sonja in Asheville. As I look at her picture now, her bright smile takes me back to the times when she lived three doors up from me on Braddock Way. She was always a dear friend of mine, and during grade school, we spent endless afternoons playing in her backyard on the trampoline, swinging out of the ‘great tree,’ and practicing our gymnastics on all of the equipment that her Father had made.
Our friendship continued through high school at Roberson and college at UNC. I am thankful that she was a part of my life, and I will always treasure the memory of her warm smile, gracious heart, and deep faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. God Bless Sonja’s beautiful soul!
Anne White Barczak
TCR ’88
We are deeply sorrowful and send our love to all of Sonja’s family and friends.
In our memory, we hear Sonja’s voice and laughter, and we remember her smile.
I will miss Sonja’s infectious laugh. I remember growing up with Sonja and what a good friend she was right next door.
I will keep her and her family in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Sonja’s family and friends. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. She is loved by many.
Sincerly, Carrie
I have known Sonja as long as I can remember, since we were in preschool together at Arden Presbyterian. I distinctly remember her sweetness, her great attitude and the cute little dog-tails she used to wear when we were little. In recent years, I kept up with Sonja mainly through Mandy and was inspired by her zeal for life and her ability to follow her dreams. She will continue to inspire now, as her unexpected death reminds me to live my own life as fully as possible. My heartfelt prayers go out to Susie, Dominic and all who were close to her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shari Lindsey Reaves
TCR class of ’86’
Dear Susie,
I am so, so sorry to read of your daughter’s death — and we were just speaking about her when I recently saw you at church. Having lost a 23 year old daughter unexpectedly I can truly feel your shock and pain. Be assured that you, Sonja and the family will be
in my thoughts and prayers.
Kay Rapier, an old St. Genevieve’s friend
We met Sonja two years ago when she started Happy Tails. She touched our hearts and souls. We remember her with love and are proud to be the adoptive parents of Maggie and Molly Kramers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of this wonderful woman.
Sandy and Joan
To the Kramers/Bondy Family, and to my brother, Jamie……
Sonja was as much a sister to me as anyone could be. We developed such a quick, close relationship. So much so that when I spotted something special, she was the first I would call. We would chat forever! When she was in town, she and Jamie would attend church services or Bible study with my mother and me. She came to family baby showers, weddings, and special holiday events at church. Jamie sometimes had to give up some of his time with Sonja because she was creating a close relationship with our family. Thank you Jamie for giving us such as wonderful gift with Sonja. My brother met beautiful Sonja, and brought someone into our family who made us happy and full of joy for the love we saw between Jamie and Sonja. We enjoyed her infectious laughter, her curiosity, her remarkable sense of humor, and we loved the devoted Christian she was. Her memory will be with us forever. I love you!
Emily
Jamie’s Sister
My thoughts and prayers are with all Sonja’s family and friends. Sonja was very dear friend and person. I will forever remember the sound of her laughter and many fond memories of our time in Chicago – working together at Abbott, enjoying the city, our trips to Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida. I am truly blessed to have had a friend like Sonja.
We have not seen Sonja, Dominic or Susie for years but we have thought of you often. Leuk and Susie were good friends in the years before we left for Atlanta in 1979.
So very, very sorry for the loss of this young vibrant woman!
Jocelyn & Wil Baumgarten
Sonja was such an amazing person. I was lucky enough to be employed by her. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss. It breaks my heart to know that she is gone. She touched so many lives in her sort time on this earth. A customer said the other day when he came in…’I guess heaven needed a caretaker for all of it’s animals’. I thought that was very fitting. Sonja, you will be missed. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
I extend my deepest condolences to Sonja’s immediate family and to her friends. I am her first cousin and have fond memories of her from my family’s summer visits to Asheville. I was so impressed with her energy and spirit, and with her kind heart, when we spoke three years ago at the Szechenyi family reunion. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sonja her loved ones. With deepest sympathy, Alexandra (Sandra) Szechenyi Parker and David Parker.
Dear Kramers Family and Friends,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss…for everyone’s loss.
My favorite poem, ‘Now I Become Myself,’ by May Sarton, sums up my feelings for Sonja. I know that she is celebrating in Heaven right now.
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May Sarton —
‘Now I become myself. It’s taken
Time, many years and places;
I have been dissolved and shaken,
Worn other people’s faces,
Run madly, as if Time were there…
From wish to action, word to silence,my work, my love, my time, my face…
Gathered into one intense
Gesture of growing like a plant.
So all the poem is…can give…
Grows in me to become the song,
Made so and rooted by love.
Now there is time and Time is young.
O, in this single hour I live
All of myself and do not move.
I, the pursued, who madly ran,
Stand still, stand still, and stop the sun!’
I will miss you Sonja!
Love,
Susan Crews (Class of ’86)
Psalm 116:15 says ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’ As precious as Sonja was to all of us, she is even more precious to our Lord. I am sure she is having a great time in heaven, and her earthly father, Loek, is enjoying showing her around.
We had some great times growing up on Braddock Way together. She will be greatly missed, but we will meet again one day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
My brother, Derrell, sends his prayers as well.
TCR Class of ’86
I have had a difficult time putting into words how I feel about losing Sonja. My heart knows that I will see her again some day, but it hasn’t taken away this horrible ache I have. Heaven has a beautiful new angel, and I will find comfort in knowing she is watching over me. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who feel this enormous loss, especially her family and Jamie. Jamie, I know how very much she loved you; and I thank you for making her so happy.
Sonja, thank you for being an amazing friend and christian. I will always remember the times we shared together. Thank you for all the times you prayed with me and for me. You will be greatly missed by so many! I love you girl!
I have known Sonja for 4 years, but it wasn’t until the last three years of her life that I really became close to her. There are so many things that I will miss about Sonja from her quick laugh to her positive christian influence in my life. There are so many more moments I wanted to spend talking with her and learning from her. I now realize that I took for granted her presence in my life. She was a wonderful Christian woman who taught me so much through her positive example. I will miss her terribly, but I know that she is happier in Heaven.
My thoughts and prayers are with her Mother and family.
Love ,
Beth
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your tragic loss of Sonja. I used to babysit for Sonja years ago when I was a teenager (Margaret Nailling). Doris told me of Sonja’s accident and I read the lengthy article in the paper. I know she will be missed by many – she had quite a remarkable impact on the larger Asheville community in her relatively short life.
My husband and I hope to make it to the memorial service at Happy Tails on Sunday evening.
We offer our prayers and ask for God’s comfort for your entire family,
Wow! I was deeply saddened hearing of Sonja’s death. Memories of her rushed me back to Roberson days and the fun we had in Young Life together.
Her smile was infectuous. She was always encouraging!
If my memory serves me, my last YL club at TC was at the Kramers home in Ballantree.
I pray for Dominic and the family for comfort and hope in this time of great, great loss.
GREG WHITESIDE
Dear Sonja,
I know that God brought us together to be friends. I have been thinking about you so very much and I miss you. I will always hold our silly and laughing times close to my heart. and of course, I will watch Survivor for you! and I will also keep taking care of those puppy dogs…I love you and will never forget our friendship.
Lisa 🙂
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you in this time of sorrow.
John Murray
Roberson ’86
We are all better people for knowing Sonja Kramers. I know if I am able to touch half as many people in my lifetime as she did in hers I will consider it a success.
May God be with you at this time, you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Sonja was a beautiful person.
TC Roberson Class of 86
My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you and your family.
Beth Crepeau
Roberson ’86
My deepest sypathies go out to the family and friends. Sonja was a wonderful person. She will be missed.
TC Roberson Class of ’86
Sonja was a genuinely kind person with an infectious smile and wonderful personality. If Sonja was your friend, you had a friend for life. By any measure, she was a truly exceptional person. We are all privileged to have known her.
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Bill Taylor
Roberson ’86
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILEY
She was a light like no other, and I was blessed for 35 years to have her friendship. She deeply touched the lives of her family and friends, her community, even strangers, and she will continue to be a light eternally.
To Sonja’s dear family and friends, We were privileged to know Sonja way back when she was a pharmacutical rep. and now as she was so excited about her business doing something that she loved so much. She always had a smile and a laugh that would brighten up a room. Her honesty and insight in our Beth Moore Bible Study was always inspirational and so practical. She will be missed by us and so many others. Her ministry to young kids in this area and beyond will be an eternal legacy. God bless you with only the comfort the LORD can give as you mourn.
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends.
TC Roberson ’86
Tonya Robbins Parrish
Sonja was a friend to all who knew her, and was always a ray of sunshine. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Wendy Bass Holub
TC Roberson ’86
Your family is never far from my thoughts and prayers. I will never have another friend quite like Sonja. I am so thankful that she was a part of my life.
My thoughts and prayers are with your fsamily. She was a very good friend during high school and was a very good friend the last few years to my son at TC Roberson for Young Life.
Sonja was not only my boss but a friend to confide in, I’ve made many decisions based on her advice and I respect her for everything she has done in the Asheville community! She was the best mother to her two dogs that she could possibly be and I will miss her greatly!! But, I know that if anyone in the world had to be chosen to fly with angels, it would be Sonja!!
with sincere and heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow in the loss of a loved one
cameron cole stepp
roberson class of ’86
We met Sonja through Happy Tails and felt such a great connection with her. She was always kind and caring and we never worried when our dog Daisy stayed there. Sonja was an angel on this earth and she is now watching over us all.
Donna, Don, and Daisy Farrow
For some reason, I tried to find Sonja today, Memorial Day. I was saddened and so surprised to see she passed away. We worked together in the early 1990s in Chicago. I still remember the smell of her apartment on Halsted street…like the seafood restaurant below it! She was a lovely woman with quite a spirit. I’m so sorry for your loss. We could all learn from how she lived.
Go Tar Heels!