Mrs. Sonja Pearl Congine

Sonja Pearl Congine, nee Engman, was born March 21, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away February 12, 2018 in Encinitas, California. Although born in Cleveland, Sonja lived the majority of her life in Chicago and always considered herself a true-blue Chicagoan. Sonja was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 58 years, Nolan "Nolie" Congine, her Father, Nils Engman, Mother, Zula Pearl Morris Johnson, brother Donald Boyd, sister Alice Engman Hyde, brother Stanley Engman, and loving and dear Aunt, Adele Engman Johnson. Sonja is survived by her three children: Lance (Jen Levy) Congini, Russell (Jennifer Kelly) Congine, and Ingrid (Dave) Brock. Three grandchildren: Vincent (Julie) Congini, Christopher Congini and Ali (Al Cannell) Congini. Three wonderful step-children Nola (Jim) Powers, Nolan Jr. (Patti) Congine, and Jo Carol (Jeff) Jones. Sonja loved all of the kids just like they were her own. One great-granddaughter: Caroline Noel Congini and a great-granddaughter on the way. Loving sisters: Christine Johnson Bernstein and Elna Engman Sullivan. Cherished nieces and nephews: Danny (Joni) Bernstein, Valeda (Benny) Bernstein, Neil (Pat) Boyd, Sarah (David) Rogers, Elaine (Al) Clark, Vince Cafarelli, John (Indy) Hyde, Sue (Rick) Katz, Wendy Benigas and Allison Sullivan. Loving cousin of Roy Johnson. Great-Aunt of many great-nieces/nephews and cherished friend to many. Sonja and Nolan retired to Carlsbad, California in February 2008 and enjoyed seven years together in their beautiful apartment on the hill in La Costa with the stunning ocean view. Their home was always filled with love, laughter and more food than anyone could possibly eat during one meal. Sonja was very proud of her Swedish heritage: she worked many years at the Sweden Shop in Chicago and made many life-long friends through Varblomman Swedish Children's Club that her daughter, Ingrid, was a member of in Chicago. To know Sonja was to love her. Kind, compassionate, loving, supportive, patient, funny, giving and selfless: these are just a few of the words to describe her. Sonja loved Scrabble, Words with Friends, reading mystery novels, researching family genealogy, browsing through antique stores, going out for hot roast beef and mashed potatoes, staying current with family and friend's posts on Facebook, and most of all, spending time with her children and extended family. Sonja was the most loving mother we could have ever been blessed with. We three kids absolutely cherished and adored our Mom - or, as we would call her, "Maaaaaaaa". We could sit and talk and laugh for hours with her, and it never got old or boring. She loved the way the three of us could make her laugh and had a special connection with each of us, in different ways, that never made us feel that one or the other was the favorite, or the "pet." ("All three of you are my pets" she would always say when we would jokingly ask who her favorite was.) Mom always presented herself with class, charm, dignity and respect toward others; all of the traits we, as her children and grandchildren, aspire to carry on in her honor.

Mrs. Sonja Pearl Congine

March 21, 1938 - February 12, 2018