JOAN ELIZABETH SONNELAND
May 6, 1923 ~ January 29, 2018
Joan Elizabeth Sonneland passed away peacefully at her Vancouver, WA home on January 29, 2018. She was 94 years old. Joan was born on May 6, 1923, in the village of Bracon Ash, Norfolk, England, to William and Maud Canham. She was the youngest of 8 siblings.
During WWII, Joan served in the Women's Royal Naval Service and it was during this time, while stationed in Milford Haven, Wales, that she met the love of her life, Roger Sonneland. Joan and Roger were married on April 12, 1946. They went on to enjoy 67 wonderful years together.
In 1946, Joan immigrated to America and she and Roger spent their early married years in St. Helens, OR, where they raised their two children, Diana and Roger "Sonny", before eventually settling in Longview, WA.
Throughout the years, Joan and Roger embarked on many adventures together and also shared a love of animals, which saw the family always in the company of various pets that were much loved and enjoyed.
Though she lived in America for 71 years, Joan remained stoically English, and believed a good cup of tea could fix almost anything! She had a love of gardening and her beautiful flowers, usually in shades of purple, were admired by many.
Later in life, Joan and Roger were fortunate enough to spend their last 18 years together, living on the banks of the Columbia River. They shared many happy times among family, friends and neighbors.
Above all, Joan loved her family and took great joy in her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. She was a much adored Mother, Grandmother and G.G., as well as a cherished friend to many.
Joan is survived by her children, Diana (Charles) Mulligan and Roger (Jude) Sonneland; her grandchildren, Jeff (Renae) Gibbons, Jana (Nathan) Schwarz, Magnolia (Daniel) Sonneland, Breeze Sonneland, Simon Sonneland, Ana (Lachie) Donald, Freya (Kim) Hogarth, Connie Mulligan, Sandy (Beverly) Mulligan, Karen (Steve) Quarre and Joe Mulligan; and her 15 great-grandchildren.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband.
A small, private memorial service was held.
Any memorial contributions can be made to one of the following organizations that Joan supported: Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center, PO Box 5593, Bend, OR 97708 www.healingreins.com; or the Humane Society for SW Washington, 1100 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684 www.southwesthumane.org.
Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
So sorry for your lost. I remember being at the Longview house as a small girl. Your parents were always very nice and fun to be with. May God be with you Diana, Jeff and Jana too. And with your parents in Heaven too.
Love Peny and Hazel Gibbons
February 19, 2018
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