Sonia Morales

Sonia Morales
Devoted mother of Albert (Myrna) Morales; Loving daughter of the late Lilia Piñon and the late Vincent Mantejo; Fond grandmother of Madeline, Amanda, Arianna, and Miley Morales; Dear sister of Armando (Teresa) Acanda; Dear aunt of Erwin Acanda.

Sonia Ramona Montejo Morales was born in La Habana Cuba in 1943. At a young age she fled Cuba for a better life to Chicago in 1969. In 1971 she married and had a son named Albert, 2 years later in January. Sonia worked as a dietician at a hospital. She made many friends throughout her years with her warm smile and that gift of gab.

After many years Sonia divorced and found a 2nd life as a single woman with her son for a roommate.

After learning how to drive, Sonia would take off in her Geo Metro to visit friends and places. I could not count the many times I waited by the door wondering where she was.

After moving several places, she finally had a place of her own and a new daughter in law in Myrna Morales along with her first Granddaughter, Madeline in January 2003.

Calling Chicago home, Sonia eventually retired from the hospital after 30 years in 2015. She took with her fond memories, friendships, leftovers, and cleaning supplies (if anyone need trash bags I may still have some).

Three more granddaughters arrived along the way, Amanda in December 2005, Arianna in May 2007, and Miley in February 2012. Each time Sonia predicting a boy with magical spoon tricks that obliviously never worked.

During this time Sonia still went places in her upgraded Chevy Cavalier and most certainly loved her independence. She even took English classes at a local center. If you spoke with Sonia, you may not have believed it, but trust me it was an improvement.

Throughout the years Sonia would be a making Malta Shakes to her grandkids or some of her Cuban recipes such as ropa vieja (tastes better than it sounds), Papa Rellenas, or my favorite Arroz y Bistec (Her brother Armando is laughing hysterically on that one). The golden rule is that no one could bother her while the telenovelas were on. Nothing existed outside from 8-9:30.

Watching her shows, sitting out in the front porch saying hello to the neighbors, and her nightly prayers were simple things Sonia treasured the most. Her best friend was a flip phone as she talked for hours to her many friends talking politics, shows etc.. I could never get her to text or upgrade from her flip phone, she just always preferred a more personal touch.

As her son I witnessed highs and lows, but ultimately Sonia achieved independence which is what defined her even after being diagnosed. Sonia faced it with courage and relied on her faith as it has helped for many years. I will take this in the hope of passing this along to my daughters as they become strong women.

Whether a simple hello on the street, having a conversation in the back yard or one of the many people she talked to on that old flip phone Sonia wanted each person to feel good about themselves. If you read this far I’m sure you’re one of them. While we lost a wonderful soul all too soon, she brought a smile to many of us that I hope carries on for years to come.

We love you and miss you mommy