Sonja M. Pope

RICHLAND CENTER - Sonja Mae “Sonie” Dickson, Noble, Pope, age 78, of Richland Center, Wis., passed away surrounded by her loving family on May 30, 2021. Sonja was born on Jan. 6, 1943, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., the daughter of F. Harris and Lydia A. (Mason) Dickson. From the marriage of Sonja to James P. Noble on July 17, 1965, in Rockford, Ill., two children were born, Sean P. Noble and Heather C. (Noble) Dunne. Sonja and James P. Noble were divorced in 1976, and James passed in 1982. Sonja later met and married the love of her life, Alan C. Pope, in Rockford, Ill., on June 18, 1987. Sonja attended Pittsville High School in Pittsville, Wis., and Central State University in Stevens Point, Wis. Sonja moved to Rockford, Ill., in 1962 and was employed by W.A. Whitney Mfg. Co, Smith Oil Corp, Swedish American Hospital, and as a payroll clerk for Eclipse Mfg. and Atwood Industries, all in Rockford, before retiring in 1996. Sonja enjoyed dancing, reading, sewing, roller skating, and sending monthly letters and cards to friends and family. Sonja moved to Richland Center, Wis., after her beloved husband, Alan, retired in 2010. Sonja loved her two grandsons, Kieran and Logan Dunne, immensely. Spending time with family was her true joy. Sonja is survived by her husband, Alan; son, Sean P. (Mary McDermott) Noble of Chicago, Ill.; daughter, Heather C. (James) Dunne of Mount Horeb, Wis.; grandsons, Kieran J. Dunne and Logan M. Dunne of Mount Horeb, Wis.; sisters, Carolyn (Rodney) Freedlund of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Anita Freedlund of Marshfield, Wis., and special sister-in-law, Barbara (Allen) Schmidt of Pittsville, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Dean A. Dickson, all of Pittsville, Wis. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Family Tributes: Sonja “Sonie Mae” Pope was the love of Alan C. Pope's life, his constant companion, and soulmate. Al often referred to himself as Sonie's sidekick and sweetie. Sonie and Al met in 1979 while out doing what Sonie enjoyed most, dancing. Al inherited her two pre-teen children while dating Sonie for eight years. Sonie and Al married in 1987 and moved from Rockford, Ill., to their beloved farm in Richland Center, Wis., in 2010 where they spent 11 wonderful years together. Sonie's favorite thing in life was to spend time with her family. Al completed that family unit, and they devoted their lives to one another, married for 34 years and together for 42 years. Sonie and Al were inseparable, and their deep love and devotion was undeniable. She will be missed beyond measure by her family and devoted husband Al who refers to Sonie as a one-in-a-million woman. Theirs was a love-story for the ages! Farm-girl strong "Sonie" was the shining sun at the center of our family's universe. She loved music, dancing, roller-skating (well into her 60s), a bellylaugh and a well-placed cuss word or two. Remembering my beautiful Mom, Sonja, who passed away Sunday evening at age 78. She was a force of nature, full of energy and life, and the word we hear most used to describe her is "sweetheart." My family and I are indescribably sad to say goodbye, but happy to have shared so many great years with this dynamo as our protector, cheerleader and chief morale officer. And we know Mom will always be with us in the most important sense. Love you very much, Ma. Thanks for absolutely everything you have given us. On May 30th, our beloved mother, Sonja “Sonie” took her last breath in this world. She had been continuously surrounded by her devoted and loving family during her final days - just as she stood by us and showered us with love for every minute of our lives. Mom had been struggling with significant health issues for the last three years and especially in the last 3 ½ months, but she fought valiantly to remain with us. My family is heartbroken at the loss of such a phenomenal, inspirational, and influential mother, grandmother, and wife. Mom was a fiercely loving and compassionate soul and was *always* concerned about others. She taught us to love everyone equally and help every single person that we possibly could, wherever and whenever we went. She led by example, demonstrating it was our responsibility to care for all human beings and to help improve their lives however we could. Mom taught us that every living soul was perfect as they are and deserved love. She was fearless, strong, and independent. Mom was wickedly funny and full of spit & vinegar, as well as pure joy. She lit up a room with her bright smile and infectious laugh. Growing up, our home always had music playing and my mother was always dancing and singing her way through difficult times, creating happiness and wonderful memories every step of the way, as well as an addiction to music and dancing. Mom also had such limitless humor that laughter was an absolute requirement whenever you were around her. We've been sharing memories lately, and even during these difficult times, one cannot help but laugh uncontrollably when recounting her antics and the fun she brought to our lives. My sons were lucky enough to be her grandchildren, the only grandchildren she had, and wow, did she dote on them! My boys are blessed to have been loved so unconditionally by such an iconic woman. My mom taught me how to be the kind of mother everyone dreams of having - and I fear that I fail in comparison to her amazing example. I am so blessed to have had this charismatic, astonishingly strong, deeply caring, hysterically funny, and endlessly devoted woman as my mother, mentor, guiding light, inspiration, and best friend. I already miss our daily conversations so much! My heart is drenched in sorrow but knowing how blessed I am to have my mom as a shining and positive beacon throughout my life, it's hard to feel less than grateful. We have our own personal angel now. We are lucky to know that mom will be a bright, guiding star in the heavens now, watching over us and helping us navigate this world until we can once again be together. They broke the mold with our superwoman mom! We will love, remember, and honor you forever, Mom! I am grateful you are at peace finally, with no more pain. Thank you for being our mother and for making this world an insanely better place! We certainly won the lottery, having you as a parent! You will be so deeply and profoundly missed on this planet! With a heart full of love for you, rest in peace, my sweetheart mother! We love you beyond measure, Mom! Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. Eighth St. (608) 437-5077