Judy A. Sonnhalter's Obituary
Judy's memorial service is available to view on the link below
Judy A. Sonnhalter (nee Weidner), age 67 of North Ridgeville, passed away October 14, 2021 after a lengthy battle with Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer). She was the beloved wife of Michael married for 37 years, the loving mother of Rachel Toth (Anthony), Mathew Williams (Sarah), Jillian Straub (Eric); the cherished grandmother of Elizabeth “Libby” Low; the dear sister of Linda Bradley, Chris Rathbun (Tim), Mary Aalvik (Steve), Mark Weidner (Sheila), John Weidner (Mary), Mathew Weidner (Michelle), Jim Weidner (Robin); the adored aunt of many.
** A resident of North Olmsted for most of her life, she had the opportunity to work in a few different fields. For some time, she had her real estate license and worked diligently helping many people to sell or buy their homes. Later, she made her dream of having her own business come true. She spent countless hours with brides to help them create a perfect, special day by designing unique invitations and favors. Most of her career was at the retail level where she worked locally at TJ Maxx in North Olmsted. While there, she worked mainly in women's clothing and accessories, and both customers and employees enjoyed her detailed and trendy displays as well as her kindness and contagious smile. In the mid 1990's, she was also the drill team advisor for two years for North Olmsted High School marching band "Eaglets"- having been an Eaglet herself when she was in high school.
Judy expressed her passion in many activities all using her many creative talents. These included sewing, crocheting, making jewelry/accessories and scrapbooking.
Her other interests and hobbies included shopping with her daughters and friends, home remodeling and decorating projects, building furniture, creating paintings and artwork, and going poolside or to local beach to relax under the sun.
Travel and vacations were what she enjoyed most and she was fortunate to visit many cities and states in the continental US, plus Hawaii, Toronto, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.
She also enjoyed the large family reunions with her extended family in places like Lake Tahoe, Hilton Head, Duck/Outer Banks North Carolina and Cape Charles, Virginia. Her "sisters only" trips included Martha's Vineyard, New York City, and Ft. Lauderdale. She was able to share both Disneyland and Disneyworld with her family and her only grandchild. She looked forward to all the large family gatherings for holidays and other special occasions and was known for bringing her signature side dishes and desserts.
There were many charitable causes which were important to her and she either contributed directly or was an active fundraiser for these charities: Susan Komen Foundation (Breast Cancer), American Heart Association, Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, Alzheimer's Association, Police and Firefighters, Wounded Warriors, Disabled Veterans, St Jude Children's cancer research, plus others.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10 AM- 12 PM in the Chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Rd. North Olmsted, where the Memorial Service will begin at 12 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
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