May 14, 1941 - July 13, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sonia Josephine Bjorge on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the age of 82.
Sonia was born on May 14, 1941, in Powell River, B.C., to Annie Slusarchiuk and John Miller. She grew up in Surrey, met and married John Boersma and spent most of her younger years in the Fraser Valley raising their kids. In the early 1980s, Sonia moved to Pemberton, B.C., where she owned and operated the Pemberton Hotel Cafe. It was here that she met the love of her life, Raymond Bjorge. Sonia and Ray married and moved to the remote hamlet of Winter Harbour, B.C., on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Sonia and Ray opened the first B & B in the area - The Last Resort Bed & Breakfast. Sonia loved to love people and was loved back by all. She was generous and kind as well as a fantastic cook. She and Ray hosted many people from all over the world and created many deep and long-lasting friendships. In turn, they were invited to many different countries and enjoyed travelling and seeing many places around the globe. In Winter Harbour Sonia was actively involved in the community and was also able to pursue her favourite hobby which was saltwater fishing. Sonia was an amazing fisherwoman however, eventually, with Ray struggling with Parkinson's Disease, they returned to Abbotsford, B.C., where she remained until her passing.
Sonia had an amazing ability for making everyone feel like they were part of her family, and she treasured her family above all. She loved deeply, gave the best hugs, and never forgot to say, "I love you so much" at the end of a conversation or visit. She was so well loved in return and will be deeply missed by her children and stepchildren, Jacalyn Bjorge Black (Keith), Darryl Bjorge, Brenda Neufeld (Brent), Rodney Boersma (Carol), Michael Boersma (Caroline), Karen Funk (John), and Janet Kouwenhoven (Gord). She is survived by her brothers and sisters, George Miller (Wilma), Mike Stogrin (Carol), Danny Miller, Virginia Poelstra, Albert Miller, Gordon Necemer (Donna), Norman Necemer (Dragica), Doreen Reelie, Georganna Paul, Randie Martin, and Carolynne Ross (Dean) She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, many neices, nephews and wonderful friends.
We know we can't have her but we are happy knowing that the angels have finally got her back and that she will always be safe in the arms of Jesus. We are also happy knowing that she will be reunited with her beloved Raymond, brother Atlee Miller, sisters Mary Phipps and Rose Necemer, and other loved ones who have passed before her. Goodbye to an amazing woman and a beautiful mother, sister, and grandmother.
As per Sonia's request, there will be no service. She will be laid to rest at Valley View Cemetery alongside Raymond at a private family interment.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Bowin Funk ALD GoFundMe fundraiser. Bowin is Sonia's 7-year-old great grandson, and he is currently fighting for his life. Sonia was praying daily for Bowin.