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Sonja D. (Carlberg) Houle, 69, of 491 Bridge Road, Florence, having lost her battle with cancer, died Jan. 10 at home surrounded by family. ---- Sonja was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Northampton, the daughter of the late Irving W. Carlberg and Irene M. (O’Connor) Carlberg. ---- She was a lifelong Northampton resident who was educated in local schools. Sonja graduated from Northampton High School in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart later that year. She became a wife and later a mother of six. ---- After her divorce, Sonja eventually went to work at Family Planning (now Tapestry Health), which became a family joke, as she already had six children. After 23 years of working as regional administrative assistant, Sonja retired in September 2003. To family, friends and acquaintances, Sonja was known as the »Rooster Lady,« for her home was filled with a vast collection of roosters. ---- Sonja is survived by her sons, Edward D. of Northampton, Scott W. and his partner, Kristen, of Whately, and Shawn R. and his wife, Erika, of Northampton; and daughters, Jolene J. Bergeron and her partner, Russ, of Agawam, Sharon R. Kazianowicz and her husband, Robert, of Middleborough and Tracey L. Kiernan and her husband, Craig, of Halifax. Sonja also leaves a sister, Judith M. Johnson of Florence, who was with her throughout her struggle. ---- Sonja also leaves two special nieces and their families, Judette C. Savino and her husband, Scott, and their boys, Casey and Chris of Florence, and Sharon Kilpatrick and her husband, Robert, and their family of California; a nephew, Michael Myers and his wife, Lynne, of Las Vegas and their family; eight grandchildren, Miranda Bergeron, Joshua Bergeron, Kristin Kazianowicz, Courtney Kazianowicz, Jennifer Kazianowicz, Megyhan Kiernan, Emma Kiernan and Zack Houle. She also leaves her beloved pet, her cockatiel Piglet. ---- She was predeceased by her sister, Rose S. Morden. ---- A memorial service to celebrate Sonja’s life will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home on Bridge Road in Northampton. Burial will take place at the Bridge Street Cemetery at the convenience of her family. Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. ---- All the pain and grief is over, ---- Every restless tossing passed. ---- She is now at peace forever, ---- Safely home in Heaven at last. ---- Donations in Sonja’s memory may be made to the VNA/Hospice Alliance of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, P.O. Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329, or to the American Cancer Society, 31 Capitol Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089. Published: 01/17/2007 Compliments of The Daily Hampshire Gazette |