Marie F. Sonoga, 2353 Twelve Oaks Dr., Hermitage, was called home to be with the Lord at 11:48 a.m. Sunday (2-21-10) surrounded by her entire family in UPMC Hospital, Farrell, after an extended illness and a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome . She was 78.

Mrs. Sonoga was born June 30, 1931 in Sharon a daughter of the late Samuel and Anna Fotia Perry.

A lifelong area resident, she was a 1949 graduate of Farrell High School and worked at the former Bob Grande's Grocery Store in Farrell following her graduation.

Marie married Edmund J. Sonoga on April 23, 1951 in the former St. Anthony's Church, Farrell, with the late Msgr. Geno J. Monti as celebrant. Shortly after her marriage, Marie obtained her cosmetology license and practiced the profession out of her home for several years. She then worked as a cashier at the former A & P food market in Sharon and Hermitage until its closing. Marie then worked in the dietary department at, what was is now Sharon Regional Health System, before taking a year off to pursue a degree in nursing. She graduated from the former Mercer County Vo-Tech in 1973 with an LPN degree and returned to Sharon Regional where she worked in the maternity department until retiring in 1983 with 26 years of service. She later accepted a position in the drug and alcohol department at UPMC Hospital, Farrell, and retired from there in 1998. Marie was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church, Hermitage, where she was a regular participant in the prayer chain. !

She was well known for her love of the Lord and also her beautiful smile. Marie always put her family first, above any of her own needs, and was most happy when the entire family was together. Her grandchildren and great grandchild were the joy of her life. Affectionately known as 'My Murm' to many, she was a dear friend to all who knew her and will be deeply missed by all who meant so much to her.

A very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother she is survived by: her husband of 58 years, Edmund J. 'Ed' Sonoga, at home; four children, Edmund Sonoga, Jr. and his wife Joan, Brookfield, Ohio; Annmarie Carin and her husband Kit Carin, with whom she made her home; John Sonoga and his wife Paula, Hermitage; and Diane Chavara and her husband Tim Chavara, Hermitage; seven adoring grandchildren, Brian Sonoga and his wife Angela; Maria and Brittany Chavara; Ale and triplets Marcus, Jarret and Ciera Sonoga; one great granddaughter, Gianna Marie Sonoga; a sister, Catherine Iacino, Farrell; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Marie was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Grande.

The family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to all the physicians and nurses who cared for their mother during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society; or to the First Assembly of God Church, 1455 N. Keel Ridge Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday (2-24-10) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon and one hour before the service Thursday (2-25-10) in the First Assembly of God Church, Hermitage.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday (2-25-10) in the church with the Rev. Kenneth Martin, pastor, officiating.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.