Sonya M. Astor
Sonya M. Astor
Marion
Sonya M. Astor, 86, died peacefully Saturday, December 30th at Silver Oak Nursing Center. Memorial services: 1 p.m. Saturday, January 13th Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. The Rev. Heather Hayes will officiate. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 12th at Cedar Memorial.
Survivors include two sons, Tim of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Craig (Cheryl and daughter Kaylea) of Fort Mill, S.C.; and a daughter, Luann of Marion.
Also surviving are three brothers, Michael Crawford (Ginger) of Coralville, Phillip Crawford (Carol) of Marion, and Theodore Crawford (Pam) of Mason City; two brothers-in-law, Gary Astor (Joanne) of Fort Dodge and William Bright of Cedar Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and beloved husband, Marvin in 2001.
Sonya was born February 16, 1937 in Oelwein, the daughter of Earl and Glenola Crawford. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1955 and earned a 2-year teaching certificate from Upper Iowa University. On August 18, 1957, she was united in marriage to Marvin Astor at the Methodist Church in Arlington.
Sonya and Marvin moved to Cedar Rapids where they raised their three children. Sonya was active in the children’s activities, volunteering as a Scout den mother, classroom mom, serving on PTA and attending hundreds of athletic events, concerts and theater productions. Sonya also worked part-time as a substitute teacher, teaching assistant and church secretary, but always made sure dinner was on the table while juggling the active schedules of the children. Sonya loved music, something that she passed on to her children, and enjoyed playing the piano, a talent she learned as a child.
For a number of years Sonya was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she served part-time on the office staff. She prided herself on keeping the membership rolls in impeccable order, something she continued doing after her retirement.
Sonya will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.