Sonya Axenia Whaley
May 28, 1925 ~ September 4, 2015
Resided in:
Fremont, CA
Sonya Axenia Whaley, age 90 of Fremont, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015 with her daughter by her side. She was born to the late Alex Matvechuk and Elizabeth Komonuk on May 28, 1925 in Chicago.
She completed her education in Chicago and she graduated from Kelley High School in 1943. She went immediately to work for the Crane Company while living at home and helping her parents until she was ready to start her own life and family.
In 1946, Sonya married her one love Bill Whaley and following WWII their family home was established in California. Family and friends were Sonya's passion and delight. She loved to knit and crochet and many people are still warmed by the afghans she created. Sonya was an active member in the community and in the 1960's she established and worked diligently administering polio vaccine in the public schools (Mother's March Against Polio and the March of Dimes). She served on PTA Boards for both of her daughters schools while also working as a very active room mother. Sonya was also very active with The Fremont Women's Club while also giving of her time to support the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association the Arthritis Foundation and the Kaiser Hospital Foundation where she volunteered thousands of hours of service. She also opened her home to take in over 20 foreign exchange students and was especially dedicated to the American Field Service. Sonya was a long time member of the Irvington Presbyterian Church.
Sonya leaves behind loving relatives and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
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Both daughters have their best efforts to befriend me, though I recall being in great distress and likely seemed “difficult in my mutism”.
It took me decades and my own children to see the fantasy Disney Movie Mary Poppins, but I DO recall and appreciate that they didn’t give up on me.
Hi J, Hi B I’m sorry for your loss and appreciate that you shared your parents with me. 💔❤️‍🩹
I just thought “I need them to know their kindness was both palliative and that I internalized their generosity the become a good woman, serving my community in the model of Mrs Sonja and Mr Bill.
Forgive me and my painful child presence and this truth coming so late