Sonja Marie Curnow

Saint George, Utah - Sonja Marie Curnow, 80, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020. She was born 15 October 1940 in Zadar, Yugoslavia to Anton and Ljubica Karlich.

Sonja lived in Kuklijica, a village in Croatia until after WWII. Her family then immigrated to the United States. She lived in New York, New York, and her family moved back and forth from New York to the Puget Sound area of Tacoma, Washington, enjoying both coasts throughout her life. She attended Stadium High School in Tacoma, WA, and graduated in 1959. Sonja lived life to the fullest ready for lifes next adventure. She enjoyed boating, fishing, and playing sports, especially baseball. Sonja was an avid runner for over 30 years, participating in local races. She married her prince charming, Ellsworth Curnow, on February 28, 1981. They loved taking road trips along the coast. Her favorite vacation destinations were Mexico and Hawaii where they enjoyed many sunsets. They enjoyed being members of The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #174 in Tacoma, Washington, and The Slavonian American Benevolent Society in Old Town Tacoma, Washington, where they enjoyed many fun-filled events and dancing with family and friends. Together, with her husband, she owned several successful retail clothing businesses in the Puget Sound Washington area. Sonja was forever grateful to have someone with whom she was able to work, live, and enjoy life’s adventures. To know her was to know gut-wrenching laughter until you cried. Her sense of humor was infectious. She was a valiant defender of what was true and right, and an example to follow. Sonja was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to all who had the blessing of truly knowing her. She had a valiant faith and looked forward to being reunited with her loving husband and family.

Sonja is survived by her children Richard (Shaun) Sample; Toni Sample; five grandchildren, Cheyenne, Zoya, Richard, Izabella, Alexandria, and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepchildren David (Jan) Curnow; Daniel Curnow; Sallie (Bill) Curnow-Ronhaar; Stephen (Lisa) Curnow, and Brian (Trudi) Curnow; 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren from these five stepchildren.