Sonja Smith

Sonja Ann Smith, 60, of Delray Beach, FL, passed away on August 8, 2019. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Sonja was born July 18, 1959, in Clinton, Iowa, to Francis and Joan Smith. She attended River Bend schools in Albany and Fulton, IL. She was a registered nurse and worked at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a number of years. In addition, she was a flight nurse for Trinity Air Ambulance in Fort Lauderdale as well as a nurse at Summit Detox in Boynton Beach, FL. She also volunteered time for hurricane relief in Florida and elsewhere. Sonja was active in running, hiking, swimming, snowboarding, loved the ocean and the mountains and split her time between her Florida and Colorado homes. As an example of her commitment to good health and fitness, Sonja competed in the Miami Marathon as well as a variety of other regional races. She also was an avid music fan and enjoyed playing piano. Sonja shared her home with Roy Antonucci, her partner of 12 years. They enjoyed traveling, sports, hiking, biking and more together, and often gathered with family and friends for holidays and vacations. Sonja, without hesitation, always looked on the bright side of things and challenged all those around her to do the same. Even if life’s obstacles seemed dark or insurmountable, she pushed through the gloom and chose to be positive. Also quintessential Sonja, her physical and emotional stamina had no end. She often would work long hours as a nurse, cared for sick family members pushing through sleeplessness, played with her grandchildren morning and night when she could, traveled across the country and back again for visits with family, helped neighbors, made dinner for friends, all while never missing frequent calls with her daughters and sister to catch up on their lives. All in Sonja’s orbit were in awe of her power and energetic determination. Her loving commitment to family and friends, her dedication to caring for the sick, as well as her zest for life were qualities that defined Sonja, and all who knew her were lucky for it. She will be missed by so many, but never forgotten. Sonja is survived by Roy; her daughters and sons-in-law Serena (Shepard) and Richard O’Kray of Omro, WI, and Heidi (Shepard) and Nick King of Viroqua, WI; Roy’s daughter, Adina Antonucci of Delray Beach; her sister and brother-in-law, Laura Bopes and Daniel Lukowski of Lee’s Summit, MO; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Lisa Smith of Scottsdale, AZ; four grandchildren, Erin, Seth, Owen and Levi; and her nephews, Nick, Malcolm, Dennis, Sean and Nico (great nephew). She was preceded in death by her parents. Should friends or family desire, memorial contributions may be sent to: The food bank of the Dillon Community Church: https://my.simplegive.com/App/Giving/dillpob109 Or The St. Anthony Health Foundation: https://chicf.thankyou4caring.org/pages/sah/sah-donate