Obituary of Sonja Haubrich

Sonja Haubrich passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022, at the age of 81 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Sonja, the third of five children, was born on January 24, 1940, in Vanguard, Saskatchewan to Joseph and Pearl (Cherepuschak) Krenosky.

Sonja spent her childhood on the family farm (SE-17-11-8-W3) where she cultivated her passions of gardening, music, piano, fashion, dancing, and cooking.  Growing up on the farm, Sonja attended Arnold and Glen Bain Schools, and it was not uncommon for the Bombardier to be Sonja’s winter school transportation. Sonja was also a talented athlete -her accolades include winning first place at school track and field running events, and winning arm wrestling at her children’s graduation celebrations.

Sonja attended Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw (1958 to 1959) and taught for two years in Mossbank and Mortlach. She also attended university between her two teaching jobs.  Education was very important to her, and she instilled this love of learning in her children.

Sonja married Edgar Haubrich on July 14, 1962, and they began their love story on a section 5 miles northwest of Hodgeville, Saskatchewan. Sonja was an instrumental part in the success of their farming life. Every year, she planted a huge garden with vegetables and beautiful flowers. She would always have a vase of gladiolus or sweet peas on the counter in the summer months. Sonja was also a chef extraordinaire – meals served in the field were just as good as meals served on the table and she was known for her delicious Ukrainian Christmas Eve suppers. Sonja was a warm and gracious hostess to all, and would always have one more spot at the table for anyone who popped in. Sonja was also known for her many sayings: “if a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well”, “be nice, behave and be a gentleman” and “so be it” to name a few. She would also spend countless hours reading recipe books and magazines at the farm table in the evenings.

Sonja and Edgar had a busy and fulfilled life – they attended many “Dine and Dances” around Hodgeville and would be ready at the drop of a hat to entertain and play a game of Schmear. Sonja loved music -her favorite singer was Elvis Presley - and the radio was always on in the kitchen.  Sonja and Edgar lived on the farm for 54 years before moving to Swift Current in 2016. Sonja and Edgar raised four children: Greg (Anne) Haubrich, Joanne (Dan) Brisebois, Jacalyn (Brian) Neilmeyer and Marlon (Daenna Currie) Haubrich. They were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Sonja was the epitome of a fighter. Even though she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she refused to let it define her and although it slowed her down, it did not take away her spirit. Her amazing strength, spirituality, perseverance, and resilience were virtues Sonja displayed until the very end. These are her legacy.  Our family is taking solace in knowing that Sonja and Edgar are together once again.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on March 26^th, 2022, at Christ Redeemer Church, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. This will be followed immediately by the Internment Service at St. Matthias Cemetery, Hodgeville, Saskatchewan. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Saskatchewan Division (150 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4R 2N2).