Sonya Marlene Matichuk
January 2, 1935 – January 29, 2023
It is with a heavy heart and the deepest of sorrow the family of Sonya Matichuk announce her passing just past her 88th birthday at Pioneer Manor on January 29, 2023.
Sonya was born on January 2, 1935 to merchants Rhodie and Anne Macks (predeceased) who owned Mack’s and Company Clothing on Kathleen Street in the Donovan that provided supplies and services to the many immigrants seeking work in the City’s burgeoning mines. Sonya was the beloved older sister of Dennis Macks (predeceased).
Loving Mother to her best friend, health care advocate and sole care giver Marianne Matichuk (James Chalmers), predeceased by her son Tony Matichuk (Janice Matichuk). Grandmother to Andrea and Miranda Matichuk.
Her many years of working at the family business Mack’s Clothing demonstrated her kindness, compassion, generosity, and sense of humour that would endear her to everyone she met. She left a profound and positive impact on her family, friends, coworkers and even strangers. Sonya was a beautiful lady inside and outside. She was also an excellent cook who was known for her many delicacies that she lovingly prepared for family and friends and taught her beloved daughter Marianne how to recreate many of the family recipes.
As a proud Ukrainian she belonged to the Ukrainian Hall on Alder Street where she loved to dance in the performing troupe that travelled across Canada. It is where she caught the eye of her beloved husband Bill Matichuk a gifted dancer who she was married to for 54 years before his sudden passing in 2009. The two of them were beautiful dancers who would glide along the dance floor in love and in a world of their own moving succinctly to the music.
Sonya graduated from Sheridan Technical College as a secretary in 1953. Her career started at Lane and Lane where she did the job of several people to ensure the company was operating efficiently and effectively. Sonya was exceptional at organizing and documenting as well as her keen eye for detail which led her to many years of working in Legal Offices in Sudbury as a highly proficient legal administrator.
She was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi earning a 60 year membership recognition. She loved opera, the symphony, the theatre, as well as a fondness for Lake Penage from her family camp in the 1940’s to her own camp that was built in 1958. The Lake was her happy place where her love of nature and animals was truly evident.
Sonya was independent and active in the community as well as volunteered on many committees and community initiatives throughout the years and was a proud Sudburian.
We would like to thank the outstanding staff who lovingly cared and assisted Sonya over the past two years due to her failing health. The activity staff named her Mrs. Google due to her vast knowledge and quick response to questions that were discussed during Java Club. She will be truly missed by many.
Forever in our hearts. It is time to dance with her beloved husband Bill once again.
Donations to the Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre to support her love to assist injured wildlife or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Funeral Visitation at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury. Friends may gather after 1:30pm Thursday, February 2, 2023, with Words of Remembrance at 3pm and a reception to follow.