Tonja Ortega

Tonja Jane Ortega was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. She was born on July 4th, 1960 in Seoul, Korea, and was adopted at 3 days old by her parents, Wilfred and Joyce Sturm of Buffalo, MN. Tonja passed away peacefully on February 24th, 2016 in Fremont, CA, by the side of her family. She was only 55 years old and proceeded in death by her brother Kip and sister Marcee. Tonja is lovingly remembered by her daughters Charisse and Brianna Ortega and grandson Elijah of Newark, CA, brother Larry of Lichfield, MN, brother Curtis and wife Carol of Eden Prairie, MN, sister Colleen of Livermore, CA, brother-in-law Daniel Moudy of Fremont, CA, sister Penny of Newark, CA, brother Shawn of Fremont, CA, and many admiring nieces and nephews. She valued spending time with her family and her two dogs and cat. Many years of her life were blissfully spent collecting Barbie dolls and Elvis Presley memorabilia. She also loved to play handheld casino games and would organize anything she came in contact with for fun. Her feisty attitude, immensley strong will, and positivity will always be remembered. Tonja was loved by many and she reciprocated that love deeply. A Memorial Service will be held to celebrate Tonja's life on Thursday, March 3rd at 7pm in Fremont at Burge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels.