Sonya Jane (Vavrik) Gross, age 79, a bright shining star and gentle soul who we loved, passed to a higher plane on October 2, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada after a long struggle following a stroke.
She was born on March 5, 1945 to Anthony and Lillian (Tomes) Vavrik in Toledo, OH.
She graduated from Eastwood High School in Pemberville, OH, where she had the leads in Oklahoma and Brigadoon displaying her beautiful voice. She attended and graduated from Bowling Green State University where she was interested in philosophy and specialized in music, learning several instruments and especially loving jazz.
Throughout her life she was an artist and avid astrologer. Each year she sent out her hand painted Christmas cards with poetic commentary. Sonya was profoundly thoughtful and intuitive, a free spirit with lively intellect and curiosity, full of love for her family and friends, music, and nature, especially birds.
Sonya was married twice and is survived by her five children: Moss Gross, Eureka, CA; Victor (Mary Jo) Lough, Calgary, Canada; Melissa (Rob) Eldridge, Calgary, Canada; Tony Lough, Portland, Oregon; Melody Lough, Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren: Elizabeth Eldridge, Evelyn Eldridge, Adeline Lough and Ivan Lough.
Surviving siblings are: Lilli Hendricks, Tucson, AZ; Julie (Don Holand) Jurich, Omaha, NE; Nancy (Doug) Gallier, Gladwin, MI; Tony J. Vavrik, Luckey, OH; Rosemarie Vavrik, Luckey, OH.
Sonya was preceded in death by her parents, brother Martin T. Vavrik, and infant sister Jane Kristine Vavrik.
Sonya requested no public services after her death. Following cremation, she will be laid to rest in the Canadian Rockies. A beautiful resting place for a beautiful person.
