Obituary of Sonja F. Personale

Sonja F. Personale Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at FF Thompson Hospital, after a long illness. Sonja was born May 21, 1946, in Canandaigua, NY. She married Richard Personale and together raised their three boys. Sonja worked for the Canandaigua School District as a school bus aide for over 30 years. She loved her job and would often talk about all the students she got to know on her bus runs. She was a fierce advocate for them and what she believed in. Sonja was an avid bowler. She and Richard bowled in may leagues and made many friends at Roseland Bowl. Often volunteering their time for junior bowling as well as holding many positions in adult leagues. They were a fixture there. Sonja was an amazing artist and crafter. She organized several arts and crafts shows to support the charities that she loved. She would do craft shows with her daughter-in-law, Megan. She was an amazing painter and has spent many hours painting ceramics and canvas, often late into the night. She loved to make crafts with her grandchildren and pass on her love of art. She also taught ceramics classes to many, helping to inspire countless people to make art. Many are blessed by the art that she created through the years. Sonja loved her family above all else. She loved having family gatherings at her house for holidays and loved to cook meals. She could often be found in the kitchen with a glass of Arbor Mist or playing in the living room with the kids. She also loved spending time with her friends, who quickly became family, on “porch nights” and at all the other gatherings. There was never a reason needed to have a get together. Sonja was predeceased by two of her sons, Leo Holland and Joseph Personale. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Richard Personale. Her son Phillip (Megan) Personale. Her grandchildren, Casey (Melissa) Holland, Brian (Kristlyn) Holland, Paige Holland, Brandon Holland and Zachary, Natalie, and Amelia Personale. Great-grand children Chloe Holland and Cameron Holland. Many nieces, nephews, her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, many cousins and the friends that became family through the years. Richard devoted himself to ensuring that Sonja’s final years were fulfilling and that she was well taken care of. The family would like to thank everyone who helped provide loving care and companionship for her. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Cancer Society, The Canandaigua Elks Club, or any charity of your choice.