Sonja G. Bernier

BANGOR - Sonja G. Bernier, 93, caring wife, mother, Nana, retired nurse and hospital administrator, left this world to be in the arms of her Heavenly Father and reunited with loved ones on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in Bangor, Maine.

Sonja was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on April 9, 1930, the only child of Ernest and Gertrude Renz. She had three daughters, Evelyn “Evie” Martin (Bob), of Driftwood, Texas, Rosemarie “Rose” Roberts (Glen) of Middleburg, Florida and Shirley Carrier (Dick) of Dover Foxcroft, Maine.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rene Bernier, her daughter Shirley, her grandsons Jason Rand and Kyle Rand, Joshua Nutt and Todd Martin, and her son-in-law Robert Martin.

Sonja came to the US in 1948, as the war bride of Robert Merrick. She became a US citizen in 1956. The family traveled extensively while in the military living in England, Spain, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma and eventually retired from Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine.

Sonja had a long nursing career beginning at EMMC and later St. Joseph Hospital. Starting in the emergency room, the obstetrical ward and the nursery. Quickly recognized for her meticulous organizational and leadership skills, she was promoted to Director of Material Management, retiring in December 1990.

Sonja is survived by her two daughters, Evie and Rose, and two great grandsons, Aiden Rand and Landon Ludke Rand.

A devoted charter member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, serving on the alter guild, a member of Fiber Arts, committee member of the annual craft fair, participant in several mission trips, volunteer for summer arts camp and the kitchen crew. Sonja will be remembered as a shining example of Christ’s love.

Funeral arrangements are being planned for June. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to the scholarship fund for the Summer Arts Camp at Redeemer Lutheran Church,540 Essex Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.