Sonja Starr Downing

Sonja Starr Downing, 77, of Painted Post, NY passed away peacefully at home, Friday, April 28, 2023. 

She was born May 29, 1945 in Macomb, Illinois to Frank and Fern Stout.

Sonja graduated from Brown County High School and from Bible Baptist College in Missouri.  

In December 20, 1981, she was married to Richard Downing, who predeceased her on March 18, 2020.  She was predeceased by her brothers Frank, Roland, Richard and Roger. 

She is survived by her sisters, Bonnie Stout, Karen (Michael) Scheer, and Barbara (Steve) Spencer. She was also survived by the following nephew and nieces:  Archie D. Davis, Kevin Davis, Vivian M. Pope, Deborah Mosley, Roger Bates, Jeremy Scheer, Benjamin Scheer, Mark and Zachary Spencer.

While living in New York, she became part of the Mapes family.  She was sister to Margie (Harry) Mapes, Aunt Sonja to their children Timothy (Kim) Mapes, Michael (Lucero) Mapes, Heather (Desmond) Smith, and William (Allen) Mapes, Nana to Timothy’s children Theron, Conrad and Kayden and Nina to Heather’s children Kendahl and Boston.

She was a retired teacher from King’s Way Christian Academy, where she taught 3rd and 4th grade.  She was, also, retired from housekeeping at the Radisson Hotel.  She was an active member of the Quackenbush Hill Baptist Church. 

Sonja's ministry in life was people.  She was a concerned and compassionate teacher.  Her student’s needs were important to her.  When she worked at the Radisson, guests found her friendly and helpful.  Anyone who met her was drawn to her.

A memorial service will be held for Sonja at the Quackenbush Hill Baptist Church on August 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Quackenbush Hill Baptist Church.

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