Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare

Meridian, Idaho – Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare departed this earthly life surrounded by her daughters on Monday, February 27, 2023, in Meridian, Idaho, at the age of 75 after being afflicted by frontotemporal dementia for several years.

Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare



She was born in Ely, Nevada, on December 21, 1947, the sixth of Frank and Mary Wilkinson’s seven children, who all preceded her in death. She grew up in McGill, Nevada, and attended White Pine High School.

After graduating, Sonja moved to Sacramento, California, where she met her husband, Eddie Veare. They were married in her hometown in October of 1967. Eddie and Sonja had been married for over 41 years when Eddie passed away in June 2009.
Sonja was the mother to four children: Joe Manuel (Sara), Sarah Maren (Dustin Whitehead), Kristin Rose (Jeramie Wheeler), and Megan Lee, who was stillborn.

In addition, she had seven grandchildren she adored and was devoted to throughout her life: Megan Veare, Phoenix Hemesi, Chloe Hemesi, Lauren Whitehead, Marin Veare, Keaton Veare, and Benjamin Whitehead. She was the bonus grandmother to Brianna, Rose, and Adam Wheeler. Before her passing, she was blessed with becoming Great-Grandmother to Megan’s daughter, Scarlett.

Sonja spent the first half of her professional life as the executive housekeeper of Sutter Hospital in Lodi, CA. After having her last two children, she decided to work closer to home. She finished her career as the bus driver and maintenance specialist for the Elverta School district before taking early retirement in 1996.

After retiring simultaneously, Sonja and Eddie moved into their beloved 5th Wheel trailer and traveled around the U.S., landing for longer periods of time wherever there were new grandchildren to dote on. After Eddie passed, Sonja continued to travel, often visiting her countless beloved nieces and nephews. She lived in Antelope, Roseville, and Citrus Heights, CA before moving to Meridian, ID for her final years.

Sonja was deeply devoted to the LDS Church, a follower of Jesus, and a beacon of light to many. She joyfully served her community throughout the years. Sonja will be long remembered for her big heart that was quick to love, how eager she was to be a helping hand, and her kind and generous spirit.

A Celebration of Life open house will take place on Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm at her daughter Sarah’s home in Roseville, CA. Please email sonjaveare47@gmail.com for more details.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Sonja Veare to the Dementia Society of America by mail to PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online http://www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

Sonja Veare
Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare and Husband
Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare and Eddie Veare
Sonja Lee Wilkinson
Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare
Sonja Lee Wilkinson Veare as a child

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