Sonia Esther Fernandez's Obituary
Sonia Esther Fernandez, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 13, 2023. Born in Ybor City to Sebastian and Esther Gonzalez, she was an only child. Although she was an only child, she was never without playmates, as her cousins lived close by. Sonia had many wonderful memories spent playing outside with her cousins, as well as with her childhood sweetheart, Manuel and other friends.
Sonia met the love of her life, Manuel Fernandez, Jr. very early in life. In fact, both of their mothers worked together in a cigar factory and were pregnant at the same time. After Sonia was born, Manuel’s parents went to their home for a visit. They put Manuel in the crib with Sonia, and as they say, the rest is history. Manuel and Sonia were married 19 years later in 1962 and had three beautiful daughters - Sherry, Sandra, and Laurie. Sonia was mostly a stay-at-home Mom but worked during busy times for her brother-in-law at his flower shop. Sonia was also part owner of a gift shop in South Tampa, with her dear sister-in-law. Her last job before having to retire early was working in the accounting department for a local bedding company.
Sonia was creative and talented. She enjoyed sewing, arranging flowers, crafting and decorating. Her mother taught her to sew and she made a lot of her own clothes as well as many dresses and outfits for her daughters. Many a Saturday morning was spent at the fabric stores with her sister-in-law, children in tow.
Sonia loved her family fiercely, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They truly were the apple of her eye. There are so many sweet memories of the grands spending time with their Abuelos at their part-time home on Anna Maria Island. Many holidays and summer weekends were spent there with family and friends throughout the years. She was most happy with loved ones around her.
Sonia enjoyed traveling with Manuel, and they oftentimes traveled with family and close friends. They traveled all over the US and abroad and spent a lot of time camping on the property of longtime friends in North Carolina, making wonderful memories along the way.
Sonia was loved by many, but she also gave that love back. Described by many as sweet and kind, and that she was. She never uttered a negative word about anyone and accepted people for who they were. She was a loving wife, the best mother and Abuela in the world, and a true friend to many.
Sonia attended First Baptist Church of Palm River with her family since the 1970’s. She was a Christian and loved the Lord and it was important to her that others know Him and accept Him as their Lord and Savior as well.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Manuel Fernandez, daughters Sherry Whiddon (Scott), Sandra Ellis (Paul), Laurie Rideout (Chris), grandchildren, Austin Flynn (Helena), Travis Ellis (Christy), Caitlin Sims (Hunter) and Colt Rideout, great grandchildren Jane Flynn, Katherine Ellis, Kade and Gavyn Sims.
Services for Sonia will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Visitation and service 10:30am to 12:30pm at Boza & Roel Funeral Home at 4730 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33603. Burial following at Centro Español Memorial Park Cemetery, 4601 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610 and followed by a Celebration of Life at 2pm at Chester Ferguson Law Center 1610 N. Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602.
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