In the company of family and friends whom she loved and treated with such kindness, Sonia Kostaniuk reached the end of her incredible life here among us.
Sonia was born to Ann (Pawlyk) and Constantine Kostaniuk, a sister to Carmen and to brother Tim. Embraced by her loving family in Winnipeg’s vibrant North End, she was immersed in her Ukrainian Canadian community and enriched by its traditions of language, music, dance and song.
Sonia graduated in 1967 from the University of Manitoba Bachelor of Physical Education program and began teaching in Kenora, ON. In 1970 she received her Teaching Certification from U of T and became Department Head of Girls’ Physical Education at Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School, (SCITS). So began her enduring friendships with Ruth, Michelle and Heather, the first of many lifelong friends to come. From 1986 on, Sonia served as Head of the combined Boys’ and Girls’ Departments until her retirement in 1999, a grand total of 32 years of service. While she saw program design/innovation and professional staff development as her main areas of interest and expertise, she did so much more. She was the first to arrive and the last to leave on school days and often spent weekends taking care of school life. These were parts of her job that she welcomed and found rewarding.
Sonia felt so lucky to share her life and wide range of interests with many close friends – Imperial Theatre, Lawrence House and cineSeries with Hilda; SCITS Friday Morning Breakfast Club at Selina’s Southeast Cafe with her colleagues; attendance of over 200 concerts and shows with Jim; holiday dinners with Gavin and Marie; gatherings and events with Joanne and Forbes, Jane and Don, Leslie, Brenda, Lorne and Marilyn, and in years gone by, with Katie and Betty. She was an enthusiastic player in the rich social and cultural life of the Sarnia area, donating time and financial and moral support.
Sonia’s interests were boundless — the creative arts, travel, organizing community activities, photography, great food, keeping lists and records, sending special cards and letters, and her beloved home and yard. Travel was one of Sonia’s true passions and her adventures were many: whether riding a dolphin in Cuba and a camel in Egypt, perching on the Great Wall in China and meeting family in Ukraine, cruising the Panama Canal and shopping the markets in Turkey, Sonia was always game. Given more time, she could have covered the entire globe. Returning after each excursion, Sonia was ready to tend her home and her beautiful pond, a labour of love.
Cherishing Sonia’s memory are sister Carmen (Hubert), nephew Andrei (Joanne), niece Lisa (Melissa), niece Kathy (Peter); brother Tim (Daphne), nephews Kosty, Nick, Tim Jr. (Nicole); grand-nieces and -nephews, extended family members and many dear friends who were Sonia’s Sarnia family.
Sonia’s family is thankful for the compassionate care she received from staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice and the Palliative Care Unit at Bluewater Health. Extra special thanks are extended to Hilda and Leslie for their unwavering love and support. We can’t thank you enough.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. If desired, donations can be made in Sonia’s memory to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Cancer Care or a charity of choice.
Sonia, you were an extreme participant in the sport of life. When asked, “Would you do it all again?” you answered, “Most definitely!!”
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sonia Catherine Kostaniuk July 22nd 1946 October 8th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario