Mrs. Sonja Ruth Van Loo Forbes
July 31, 1950 ~ May 19, 2014
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
Sonnie passed away Monday 5/19/14 following her long battle with breast cancer at Kennestone Hospital. Sonja was a breast cancer survivor for over 14 years. She would not allow this disease to stop her from her life passions of working at a job she loved, enjoying her family, socializing with her many friends and playing tennis.
Sonnie,daughter of William and Lucia Van Loo (both deceased), was born in Oakland California July 31, 1950. She was raised in Levittown, NY on Long Island close to the beaches she loved. She graduated from Levittown High School and was voted Most Athletic and Most Popular. Sonnie played every sport that her school offered, and continued playing softball and later on tennis in her adult life.
She met her husband Darrow when she was visiting her home in Levittown in 1981. Sonnie married Darrow on February 22, 1986 and they lived in Marlton NJ. Shortly there after her daughter Chelsea was born in January 1987. Sonnie enjoyed family life in Marlton with daughters Chelsea and Michele and with our family relatives, and friends. In 1994 Sonnie and family moved to Marietta, Georgia and she became a very active member of our community in Walkers Ridge both on and off the tennis courts.
Sonja is survived by her loving husband Darrow, daughters Chelsea Forbes, and Michele Salter, son in law Drew Salter, sister Yolanda Hoirup, brother in law Pete, brother Bill Van Loo, sister in law Vicki ,and her niece Ali. She is also survived by her two most cherished grandchildren Justin and Samantha Salter
Sonja enjoyed a wealth of friends in her life, young and old, from coast to coast who knew her to be fun, nuturing, strong willed, and very tender hearted. She was a mother to all, loved by all, and is now very much missed by all.
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Sonnie brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget her! RIP
Your fun loving spirit, compassion, strength, touched many whether it be a stranger or a close friend. These are the gifts we will share forever.
Our deepest condolences to the family. We’ll pray for everyone’s strength during this time. Chelsea – we are always here for you. We love you very much!
Sonnie was one of the most energetic and vibrant people I’ve ever known. what a blessing to have known her!
I will miss Sonnie’s love for life, positive attitude, and her strong character. Her never-give-up outlook on life will always inspire me. I will certainly miss her! RIP Sonnie!
Sonnie was the sweetest, kindest, and most loving person I have ever known. She would light up a room as soon as she walked in. I have so many fond memories of our fun times together in NJ. I’ll never forget the day we went to The Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia for high tea. We all got dressed up and wore hats. The manager gave us a tour of the hotel which included the gym. Sonnie got on the treadmill in her dress and high heels. We all laughed so hard it hurt. I will miss her dearly. She was one of a kind. Truly!!!
So very sorry to hear about your loss, our thoughts and prays will be with you in the days to come. We have very fond memories of our girls Chelsea and Natalie growing up together in Walkers Ridge.
I did not know Sonnie well but was immediately drawn to her fun personality upon meeting her. My son Zach was a frequent visitor to their home visiting daughter Chelsea. He always came home saying how much he liked “Chelsea’s” Mom. You and your family will be in my prayers.
So many wonderful memories of you….sharing an apartment with you in our NewYork days were the best memories in my life…. You will forever be in my heart.
My beautiful cousin Sonnie I will miss you, remembering all the old time and the fun we had when you came to visit in California, all the talks we had on the phone. Memories I will always cherish. Missing you,Love Marty Our thoughts and prayers Marty and Evelyn
Sonnie was one of funniest, sweetest and most positive people I’ve ever know. Even in high school, she had it all together and always told it like it was but with a comical touch. She had a way of seeing the bright side of every situation.
I will miss her deeply and miss our conversations. My deepest regards to Darrow, Chelsea, Michele and the family.
My prayers are with her family.
A true friend that will never be forgotten. We will miss you forever. Love you, John and Penny.
Fond memories are what we have to remember Sonnie. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our most heartfelt condolences. Charlie Myers & Janice LaRue Mullica Hill NJ
Sonnie and I pulled out hair out together, and shared many comical moments, while supporting the healthcare consulting practice at Arthur Andersen. I bet she laughed about something at least 25 times a day. She had genuine concern for others and made friends extremely easily. This earth is a much poorer place since her passing. RIP, Sonnie. We loved ya, girl!
I met Sonnie on my first day of work at Arthur Anderson and was greeted by her huge smile and warm welcome of You Go Girl! I’ve been crazy about her since that day. What a beautiful spirit, tender hearted, hilariously funny, and truly genuine person. I’m blessed to have known her.
I am truly saddened by the passing of Sonnie. We worked together at FOCUS Brands until I left last September. I will always remember her vibrancy, eagerness to help anyone and her positivity. She now knows no more pain and is resting safely in God’s arms. My condolences go out to the family.
I never met Sonja, I just know her brother Bill. Sending my deepest sympathy on the passing of such a lovely persona. I am sure the world is a better place because of her.
Mark E.
Dear Sonnie,
I just found out a few days ago that you had left us. Even though you and I haven’t seen each other since the Marschalk days of the 70s, it still breaks my heart. That’s the kind of impression you left on people.
I’m so glad you’re out of pain–and I hope they’re treating you well in heaven. I know you’re lighting the place up with your 1,000 megawatt smile.
Remember the laughs we had–you, Evelyn, and me–at work, but especially after work at that pub on, I think, W. 55th Street? Was it Uncle Lulu’s?
I can still picture us, singing our favorite song at the top of our lungs. It applied when you moved to California, and it applies again now.
“You Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me, Lucille.”
I’ll never forget you, cutie pie.
Love and hugs,
Patti