Obituary of Mary Kathleen Sonberg

Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Sonberg, age 67 of Newfane, died Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport surrounded by and under the loving care of her family. Kathy was born November 27, 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY, the daughter of the late John J. and Mary Louise (Woomer) Sever. After the death of her father, Kathy’s mother married Francis Donato and together they raised her as a Roman Catholic in Niagara Falls where she was a 1967 graduate of Niagara Falls High School. Kathy was employed by NY Telephone/Verizon for almost 30 years, most of which was as a Customer Service Representative and her most memorable years were out in the field as a lineman. She then served as a Representative with the Niagara County Department of Motor Vehicles, retiring in 2012. Kathy married Richard W. Sonberg on September 6, 1975 and they have resided in Newfane the past 40 years. They enjoyed their horses, pets dogs, and watching the hummingbirds and butterflies so abundant on their property. Kathy enjoyed woodworking as well. Most of all she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Kathy will forever be remembered as the Matriarch of her family. Her concern and love for her entire family prompted her to quietly work behind the scenes to see that everyone's needs were addressed and resolved to the best of her ability. To call her the "ultimate caregiver" would not be an exaggeration. In addition to her husband, Rick, she is survived by her daughters, Lori (Michael) Tolli of Newfane and Barbara (Mitchell) Wright of Lyndonville, NY; her beloved grandchildren, Michael and Christina Tolli, Haylee and Evan Wright. Kathy's family also consists of her siblings and their children; the late Richard "Dick" Sever and his children, Johnny, Karen, Nancy, and the late Beverly; the late Sandy (John) Rovison and their children, Jimmy and Jack; Francis (Jane) Donato and their children, Kristin and Erick; Rickie (Debra) Donato and their children, Michelle, Ann Marie, Vanessa, and the late Joseph; and Virginia "Ginny" (David) Dehn and their children, Amy,Heather, Melody and Chuckie. Kathy also leaves behind great nieces and nephews as well as many, many friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at 1:00 pm at Brookside Hall, 2990 Lockport-Olcott Rd., Newfane, NY 14108. For those who wish to remember Kathy in a special way, contributions in her memory may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.