Sonia Marquez
Sonia was the eldest daughter of Beatrice Vargas and Fernando Marquez. She was born in Chicago, in December of 1960 and grew up in the Pilsen area. She was the first-born among her 6 siblings, a role she took to heart—not just in age, but in the way she cared for and looked after those she loved. She was the sister to her late brothers Adrian, Fernando, and John, her sisters Julie and Rosa, and her baby brother Gaby.
Sonia was a mother of 10—her children Sonia, Anna (late), Joey (late), Julio, Fernando, Ricky, Desmond, Jennifer, and her twin girls Monica and Vanessa. And from those children came 16 beautiful grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her heart. Her love for her family was unconditional, deep, and steady. If you were hers, you knew it—and you never had to question it.
For the 32 years, she shared her life with her partner, Jerome Harris. They had a love that was steadfast and true, a bond that carried them through life’s ups and downs. Jerome was her rock, and she was his—right until the very end.
Sonia loved many things in life—her family, her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, her animals such as her birds but (especially her beloved dogs Gizmo and Coco), she loved dancing, telling jokes, and sharing crazy and memorable stories. She had a gift for making people laugh, for making even the heaviest moments lighter. No matter what life threw at her, she found a way to smile—that is something she taught us and everyone else around her to do the same. She was fearless until the very end.
She was also one of the hardest working women you could ever meet. Sonia dedicated more than 10 years to the DoubleTree Hotel, where her efforts and dedication were recognized by the hotel with a plaque that still hangs in her honor today. She touched the lives of her co-workers and pretty much anyone she came in contact with. She was proud of her work, and her coworkers were proud to have known her.
Sonia’s life wasn’t always easy—but she met every challenge with courage, humor, and a beautiful heart. She gave without expecting anything in return, she loved without limits, and she lived fully. She has left behind not just many wonderful memories, but a legacy of love, strength, and joy that will carry on in her children, grandchildren, and everyone lives fortunate enough to have known her.
The family will receive friends at Central Chapel, 6158 S. Central Ave. Chicago, IL 60638 on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 3-8 pm with Funeral Service beginning at 6 pm.
The family will gather at Central Chapel on Friday, August 15, 2025 for a prayer service at 10 am. Burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
Please visit SONIA MARQUEZ BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Info., 773 581 9000.