Sonja Ann Nielsen (née Andersson), aged 77, passed away on October 2, 2025, in the palliative care unit of the Spiritwood Lodge in Spiritwood, SK.

Born on August 11, 1948, in Prince Albert, SK (though very nearly in a blueberry patch near Canwood), Sonja was the cherished “surprise” child of Karl and Stina Andersson (both deceased), completing the family with her teen siblings, Elsie, Lily and Rudy (all deceased).

She completed most of her schooling in Canwood, then attended the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook, SK, graduating in 1967 with lifelong friendships.

Unable to resist the charms of the “crazy Dane” she met through long-time family friend Sigfred Jacobsen, she married Torben Nielsen on February 10, 1968, and together they had three girls and many adventures, from camping in Saskatchewan to traveling halfway across the world to Australia and New Zealand.

Settling in the Leoville area in 1974, Sonja worked alongside Torben to build and operate a dairy farm, serving as a board member and director (the first woman in the role) of Dairy Producers for many years. In 1996, Sonja and Torben moved to Spiritwood, becoming owners and operators of Spiritwood Stockyards. After “retiring” in 2011, they started a small tourism business, Parkland Wagon Treks, and operated a bed and breakfast. In both communities, Sonja was generous with her time, driving and chaperoning for school activities for her own and neighbouring children, and volunteering for the skating club, rink committee, the Ranger 4-H Club, Lions Club, Partners in Faith church board, and so much more.

Throughout her life, Sonja shared her joie de vivre through her many talents. She sang beautifully, performing at Folkfest, weddings and community variety shows (her renditions of Oh My Darling Clementine and Walking in my Winter Underwear were always crowd favourites). Her baking, cake decorating and cooking abilities were unparalleled, much to the delight of just about anyone who ever crossed her path.

Sonja is survived by her three daughters, AnnMarie (Stuart), Inga (André) and Tanya (Don), seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many very dear friends. Her absence is an enormous void, but she equipped us for this day with a lifetime of lessons in how to fill it with humour, songs, and mountains of love.

Torben and family are grateful for the many visits in recent months from friends and extended family, as they brightened her days. Special thanks to her doctor and the home care workers, as well. Not only did she receive excellent care, but they were also a ray of sunshine in her day.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit http://www.beaulacfuneralhome.com  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

 

• Date : 2025-10-02
• Location : Spiritwood