Obituary of Sonja Ruth Lifford

Surrounded by her family, the peaceful passing of Sonja Ruth Lifford of Fredericton, NB, occurred on April 18, 2023 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital.  Born on March 11, 1949 in Charlottetown, PEI, she was a daughter of the late Phyllis (Douse) and William Aylward. 

Sonja was a loving mother and loved her grandchildren dearly.  She was a loyal friend to many.  She worked in administration and education, working with special need students and was passionate about politics.  She was musical and loved to play piano.    

Sonja is survived by her partner, Jack Patterson; sons, Troy Lifford (Janice) and Chad Lifford; grandchildren, Tyler, Claire, Abby, Brett, and Wynn.

Beside her parents she was predeceased by the father of her children, Rick Lifford; sister, Nancy Aylward.   

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, 3E and 4NW floors, for their care, including, Dr. Heidi Moore, Dr. Gordon McDonald and Dr. Saira Athar. 

Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.  The funeral will take place at York Funeral Home's T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Kay Clowater officiating.  Donations may be made to SPCA Fredericton. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com

Sonja Ruth Lifford - “Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.”  Rest easy now mom. Your pain is gone and now free of worries.

Everyone says they have the best mom. Well I’m the same. My mommy was THE. BEST. EVER. 

She loved my brother and I as she would say “the whole, whole wide world. And that’s a lot.”  

Once her grandkids came it was the same. They were all the apple of her eye.  They got showered with love and affection and they loved her just as much.  

She would call Brett her “hero” as she just thought it was amazing the way he skated and played baseball.  She became a professional mini stick goalie as they played countless hours of mini sticks together in our kitchen - the floor still has all the marks. 

She and I spent an entire day teaching Tyler how to ride a two wheeler during one of her visits with us in Thunder Bay. She wasn’t going to let him quit. He’s still going strong on two wheels.  

When she lived with us for two years, Abby had her own personal tutor. They worked tirelessly together to conquer elementary math and reading.  She’d even go to Abby’s school and meet her teacher to find out what they should be working on.  Abby’s now a Deans List student at STU. Great job Sonie! 

Little Claire was her first granddaughter and could do absolutely no wrong. She got to have many great visits to Lake Ellenwood, get spoiled, and have many great adventures with her Sonie. They even had the same curly hair. 

Sonie and her youngest grandson Wynn had a number of special visits to the Moncton Zoo together. She especially loved watching him perform in his school concerts and productions. 

She worried too much about all those she loved.  No matter how old I got, she’d always tell me to “be safe” and I’d always reply “don’t worry about me mom.”  She’d say “I can’t help it. You’ll know what I mean when you’re a parent one day.”  Sure enough I do the exact same. So much so that Claire got a tattoo in my handwriting that says “Be Safe” as I say it to her every time she leaves the house. Guess you were right mom .

I won the mom lotto, she was THE BEST. We had home cooked meals every night and all our childhood friends loved coming to our house to see what was in the cookie jar.  It was always filled with homemade cookies that never lasted long.  She loved baking and filling that jar but she loved even more seeing the kitchen filled with our friends enjoying her cookies. 

You’ve suffered enough mom. Your pain is gone now.  Ma, Pa, and Nancy are waiting for you.  Casey is waiting with his tail wagging. 

This isn’t good-bye, I’ll see you later - just not for a while. I’ll talk with you often. 

Love you the whole, whole wide world .

Troy XOXO