Sonja Wilcox Van Emmerik
January 5, 2010 - December 20, 2010
Sonja Wilcox Van Emmerik
Sunny
Our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt passed away December 20th, 2010, from Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by her loving family.
She was born January 5th, 1938, in Salt Lake City, to Ernest Lorenzo and Chloe Strong Wilcox Jr. She married Pieter Van Emmerik June 15, 1956, together they raised a family of six beautiful children. Mom loved being around her children and grandchildren. She especially loved her husband, who lovingly took care of her over for the past fours years while she battled Alzheimer's. She attended St. Mary's of the Wasatch and West High School. When she was young she learned to ride horses, and had the opportunity of riding in many parades. Her brother Bud taught her how to ride motorcycles much to her mother’s detriment, and they had to sneak out each time she wanted to ride. Mom had many interests, which included, riding motorcycles with her husband Pieter and her sons, playing the piano, crocheting, ceramics, building beautiful flower gardens, and playing on the computer. She loved playing the piano and singing to all of her favorite songs with her family, she had such a beautiful voice. Mom's career started with Grand Central Warehouse, where she made many friends, and many children happy when she had the opportunity to hand make Easter baskets for the company. She then went to work for numerous law firms as their file clerk, Biele Haslam and Hatch, Parsons Behle & Latimer and lastly Cohne Rappaport and Segal.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 54 years, Pieter; twin sons Rod (Linda) Van Emmerik, Paul (Lori) Van Emmerik; and daughters Laina (Patrick) Murphy, Janie Willden, Sonja (Clay) Peterson, Stephanie (Ernest) Jensen; 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces Lorraina and Tia; nephews Brooke and Lonny; and life long friend Sharon Sheriff. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother Ernest (Bud) Wilcox; and sister Bertha Louise Wilcox. The family would like to express a special thanks to Kimmy and Martha of Lighthouse Hospice for the special care they took with our mother.
Friends may call upon the family for a visitation on Thursday, December 23rd at 11:00 AM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A private family graveside service to follow at noon at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society of Utah in her name.
In Loving Memory
Dear Family, It was a real privilege to know and work with Sunny at Biele, Haslam & Hatch. I'll never forget Sunny's nickname for me, "Linderelle". She would put that name on all my Avon orders. She was a very caring person and I'm sorry to hear of her passing.
Linda Bailey
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Dear Sonja and all the rest of Sunny's family: As I look back over many, many years, some people are forgotton or faded from memory. Sunny was not one of them. Any person who ever knew her remembered her. Her smile, her fantastic wit, her willingness, her character, and on and on. She was one of a kind and I always considered it an honor to know her. Her work ethic was beyond reproach. She made everything and everyone better. My heart goes out to all of you, and to Sonja with whom I also worked, may you find comfort in knowing how many lives Sunny touched. Carol DeMill
Carol A. DeMill
Sandy, UT
Dear Sonja, Pete and other family members: For several years Sunny and I worked together at Parsons, Behle and Latimer. She was one of my favorite people and I considered her a very good friend. Her infectious laugh still rings in my ears. I was shocked this morning to learn of her passing; the world lost a beautiful lady. Please know my thoughts are with you.
Jackie Peterson
Mesquite, NV
Paul, Rod and family: I'm truly sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. The memory of your Mom putting up with some of the things we pulled off in high school is like it was yesterday. Sunny was a fantastic woman and a real friend, She will truly be missed by many. My heart goes out to you and your sister's, at a very hard time in life. We wish you all the best possible at this time. Lynn & Sara Koehler
Lynn & Sara Koehler
West Jordan, Ut
Dear Family I'll never forget Sunny'.. She was one of my favorite people My heart goes out to all of you. Lia Peterson
Lia Tems Peterson
Magna, Ut
Mom Happy Birthday!!!!! You would have been 75 today!!!!! I'm sure you and dad are singing and dancing in Heaven...just know that we all miss you and Love you very much...
Stephanie Jensen
Midvale, UT
Mom, it's been 3 years today since your passing. Oh how I miss you so much!!! All of us miss you more than words can express!!! Your grandkids are without there favorite grandma, we talk about you often. The kids remember when you took them for a ride on trax and how much fun that was and when you would take them to Liberty Park to watch the bird show a bird pooped on Arica's head!!!! We were laughing so hard!!!! Mom we Love and Miss you forever!!!!! 12-20-2013
Stephanie Jensen
midvale, Ut