OSTREM
Sonja Marie Ostrem passed away on February 11, 2013 after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born October 11, 1946 in Rotterdam, Holland and came to Canada at 6 weeks old in a wicker basket with her mother to Hines Creek, Alberta.
Sonja was predeceased by her parents, David and Cori Ostrem. She is survived by her hunting partner of 27 years, Dean Vig, her siblings Annabelle (David) Bell, Rudy (Lulu) Ostrem, Ben (Sue) Ostrem, her children, Ross (Katherine) Richardson, Tim (Isabelle) Ostrem, Kimberley (Conrad) Richardson, and step-children Jason (Leanne) Vig and Kevin (Chandra) Vig. Her grandchildren Meagan, Kyle and Kaylis Turnbull, Huxley Richardson, Elise and Luke Ostrem, Davin and Kelsey Vig, McKenna, Aviana, and Berrik Vig, Adam and Bailey Hughson. Sonja was Ouma to Jurie-Hendrik, Carlie and Erika de Bruyn and loved them as her own grandchildren. Sonja will be missed by numerous friends and extended family who were all so very supportive through her journey this past year.
Sonja loved children, animals and wilderness. She took many beautiful pictures and loved to garden and keep busy with crafts. She amazed us with incredible meals and baking on the spur of the moment. Most everything that Sonja did was for the benefit of others. A natural caregiver, she was the first one to show up with food and hugs in any crisis. She loved and was loved by many. Berry picking with her buddies was her favorite way to spend the day in berry picking season, and friends and family enjoyed the wild cranberry sauce, and all the delicious, wild berry-filled baking all year long.
While Sonja was having chemotherapy treatments in Calgary, she began losing her hair. Never one to be vain, she wasn't too concerned about being bald. Instead, she got out some wool and began crocheting beautiful hats for herself. After making several for herself to match her clothes and pajamas, Sonja started making them for the other patients on her hospital unit, continuing to give to others even while going through a difficult time herself.
At Sonja's request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rimbey Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Miss Me - But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me,
I want no tears or gloom-filled room. Why cry for a Soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we all shared,
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone
It's all part of the Master's plan, a step on the road to Home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, see family and friends we know
Take time to heal, tho' we must part,
Miss me - but let me go.