OBIT: Sonja E. Kozuch (formerly of Kittanning/Ford City)

KOZUCH - Sonja Eileen Bowser Kozuch passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 in Cumming, GA.

Sonja leaves behind in this world her loving family - her husband Robert, her son Zachary, her daughter Savannah, and a large extended family. She is also survived by her sister, Faye Bowser. Sonja’s father Raymond and her mother Esther had passed away preciously.

Sonja was born on April 29, 1956 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania and grew up in nearby Ford City where she graduated from Ford City High School. She graduated from Slippery Rock State College in 1978 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She found her soul mate and partner for life and married Robert Kozuch on August 19, 1978. After getting married, Sonya and Robert lived in Charlotte NC, Pittsburgh PA, Newark OH, Cambridge OH, Snellville GA, West Chester PA, and Sycamore IL. They settled in Cumming, Georgia in 2005 and co-founded Bear Mountain Custom Painting where Sonja was officially President and unofficially a “ray of sunshine” to everyone she worked and met.

Sonja has always had a big heart and loved making personal occasions and holidays special for everyone. She also loved giving back throughout her life, actively participating in community food pantries and soup kitchens, tutoring of literate adults, mentoring of disadvantaged youth, being a Big Sister, a foster parent, a Girl Scout leader, a softball coach and a church organist. In 1988, she was the founding Executive Director of the Big Brothers / Big Sisters chapter in Guernsey County OH. She has also spearheaded the community and charitable projects of her company.

Sonja was a true animal lover and enjoyed many pets through the years, including her current dog Sky and cat Ziggy.

An informal memorial service will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 27 at the Fieldstone Clubhouse at 3350 Elder Field Lane, Cumming. A church service will be held at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 26. Please come and help us remember Sonja’s life and all she means to us.

In Lieu of flowers and gifts, a donation to “Sonja’s Loving Heart Foundation”, a charitable foundation being formed to continue her loving and giving spirit, would be much appreciated.